The origin of the rocking chair is unknown but the first ones we do know of originated in England in the early 1700's and were made near Windsor Castle in Berkshire (which lies about a 20 minute drive away from Heathrow Airport) hence the name 'Windsor Rocker'. In all probability it came about through watching the therapeutic effect of gently rocking a baby in it's cradle, so why not do the same for adults? England was not the only country to have the rocker at that time, Sweden had another form around 1740 called the 'Gungstol', which just means rocking chair. These originally had 6 legs and were traditionally painted black with gold outlines. A four legged version became popular in the 1800's
Why does everyone love this particular style of chair? Could it be that they are so comfortable? When you sit in a rocking chair without rocking, the chair automatically rocks backwards until that your center of gravity is found. This has a relaxing benefit with the sitter being kept in an even position. Hence you are relaxed from the word 'Go'.
At some point in history rocking chairs arrived in the USA. It would be convenient to link their arrival with that of the 'Mayflower' but they were not heard of until about a hundred years after the pilgrims arrival and it wasn't until the 1800's that American furniture manufacturers saw any merit in their production. When they did, the Salem, Boston and American Windsor rocking chairs were born. These were all popular and were used mostly for sitting in the garden or relaxing on the porch.
Michael Thonet a German craftsman made the first 'Bentwood' rocking chair in 1860. This design was unlike others of it's time, it was lightweight and graceful. He used steamed wood which made them very affordable as well as beautiful and had great success with them in Europe. During the 1920's a new style came on the market which made them even more useful, the 'Folding' version, which when used in the garden could be folded up and taken indoors in bad weather. With the arrival of the automobile it was useful for picnics and other outdoor activities. After this, this type of chair virtually 'stood still' until the 1950's when Sam Maloof began making deluxe rocking chairs, which are different again, as their rockers are ski-shaped.
No one is sure whether the 'Wicker Rocker' as it became known, came before or after the wooden version but they became famous for their craftsmanship and creative designs and were very sought after. The same still stands today. Light, beautiful a real accent piece for any room, ultra comfortable and roomy, relaxing, and a joy for young and old. Wicker rocking chairs can be used on the porch, in the sun room, the family room, the bedroom, the baby's nursery and when it has done all that, a wash down and a can of spray paint and it's good to go for another quarter of a century.
European in origin, the rocking chair is also thoroughly American. President Lincoln greatly enjoyed the comfort of his chair. He was relaxing in one at the theater on the night he was assassinated. One of the first things President Kennedy did after taking office was to install a rocking chair in the oval office.
