“Jumbo” Rocker

“Jumbo” Rocker Brumby Chair Company High Museum of Art
Maker Brumby Chair Company
Title “Jumbo” Rocker
Date of Creation c. 1875
Location Marietta, Georgia
Materials Red oak with caning
Institution High Museum of Art
Credit Line Gift of the Rocker Shop of Marietta
Accession Number 1988.92
Photo Credit High Museum of Art
Category Furniture and Clocks

Established in 1875 in nearby Marietta, Brumby Chair Co. is best known for its extra-large “Jumbo” Rocker. Made from Appalachian red oak and handwoven cane, a single chair required 12 craftspeople working for five weeks to manufacture. Its balanced design produced a steady swing, while its rattan back and seat kept sitters cool in the heat. Over time, this essential piece of Southern furniture gained a committed group of admirers, from new mothers (“there’s nothing like a Brumby for rocking babies”) to former President Jimmy Carter, who had several installed on the Truman Balcony of the White House.