Oak Bench
Object Name
Oak Bench
Label
Originally housed in the lower floor of Beaver Meadows’ Enos Mills auditorium, this oak bench was one of three identical custom models designed by Taliesin’s Charles Gordon Lee. The bench was either wedged against the northwestern wall (flanking the central exit door), or tucked into a small alcove on the southeastern side of the room.
As with much of Beaver Meadows’ original furniture, these wide benches exchange unnecessary ornamentation for practical simplicity. They are not completely utilitarian, however, as the plywood contains a natural stain and finish that compliments the earthy tones throughout the visitor center. The rust-orange cushions themselves mark one of Olgivanna Lloyd Wright’s notable contributions to the project. A rubberized foam or hair padding lies behind the woven muslin upholstery. Providing adequate comfort for a short rest (or one film viewing), one wouldn’t likely stay to enjoy the meager, four-inch cushions for very long.
Overall, the benches project the same simple elegance that underscored the general design principles of Mission 66’s modern architecture. They were never meant to be so eye-catching and luxurious that they distracted visitors from the park itself.
Further Information
In keeping with Mission 66’s goal of accommodating large numbers of people while simultaneously ensuring efficient guest mobility, these wide seats were large enough to hold an average family, yet were streamlined enough to minimize traffic congestion in the auditorium. The benches likely appealed to visitors who wished to avoid the hassle of shuffling through the crowded central seating area. Their large, basic design and strategic placement along the edges of the auditorium provided quick, easy seating and an unobstructed view of Rocky Mountain National Park’s educational films. The benches also allowed guests to make a hasty departure out into the park itself following the feature.
Although the benches’ effect on visitor circulation aligns with Mission 66’s functionalist ethos, their visual look also serves as a microcosm of the program’s modernist design aesthetic. Lee designed them to visually resemble similar visitor center furnishings acquired by the General Services Administration through the Office of Federal Procurement. Basic in form, each primarily consists of one seven-foot wide trapezoidal platform of ¾-inch thick plywood mounted atop an H-shaped plywood support structure. No backrest was built into the design, suggesting that guests were not encouraged to be any more comfortable than absolutely necessary.
As with much of Beaver Meadows’ original furniture, these wide benches largely exchange unnecessary ornamentation for practical simplicity. They are not completely utilitarian, however, as the plywood contains a natural stain and finish that compliments the earthy color schemes throughout the visitor center. The rust-orange cushions themselves mark one of Olgivanna Lloyd Wright’s notable contributions to the project, and add to the benches’ unique visual flavor. A rubberized foam or hair padding lies behind the woven muslin upholstery. The cushions provide adequate comfort for a short rest (or one film viewing), but their meager, four-inch thickness further discourages long stays.
Collection Number
ROMO #21572
Date of Requisition
1966
Materials
Wood; cloth (muslin or burlap)
Dimensions
83.75” L x 23.66” W x 30.75” H | 213 cm x 60 cm x 34 cm
Manufacturer
Frame:
Unknown
Fabric:
Moss Rose Manufacturing Company
