“Jumbo” Rocker
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.