Chair
Object number2019.18.5
MediumMetal; Plastic; Paper; Ink; Adhesive
Credit LineGift of Steve Zumoff
DescriptionPlastic chair with metal support framework. Green plastic backrest and seat rest. Backrest's green surface treatment is worn revealing dark blue-black substrate. Seat rest's green surface treatment is worn revealing brown substrate. Tubular gray metal framework forms four legs, two uprights supporting backrest, H-shaped seat rest support, and two semi-circular supports connecting the legs; gray surface treatment is worn revealing brown metal substrate. Front of backrest and top of seat rest are covered in paint and ink graffiti in black, white, brown, and blue media; top of seat rest has red and white sticker with black text in the rear proper left corner; seat rest also has carved graffiti. Back of seat rest has blank off-white sticker at center. Underside of seat rest is brown and has white graffiti. Underside of proper left side of seat rest has piece of pink chewing gum. Four circular feet.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 31.688 x 16.25 x 16.625 in. (80.5 x 41.3 x 42.2 cm)InscriptionsFront of backrest has white handwritten text that is difficult to read.
Top of seat rest has black handwritten text including "SMILE" and "YOU BUG, / AS M-80'S / EXPLODE IN / POOlS that aren't / Safe to dive in. / HE Drowned... / the Little onE".
Top of seat rest has red and white sticker in the rear proper left corner with black handwritten text "READ YO'SELF / SUM DOOMSPIRAL".
Underside of seat rest has white handwritten text that is difficult to read.
MarksUnderside of seat rest has black number "17" at rear center.
Historical NotesChair from the Beehive Coffeehouse from the bathroom "phone book" nook. The Beehive Coffeehouse, located at 1327 E. Carson Street was a South Side institution for 28 years. It opened in 1991 at the nascent end of a developing coffee shop culture that would soon proliferate in urban centers throughout the country. It was one of the first coffee shops in Pittsburgh. For many years it served as a gathering place for local artists that lived in the neighborhood that often worked there as well. Co-owners Steve Zumoff and Scott Kramer cited rising rents, increased competition, and low sales as the reason they were closing the shop. They also had a shop in Oakland that closed in 2002. The décor of the Beehive was made up of thrifted objects and pieces by local artists. The collection reflects the unique décor and atmosphere of the Beehive.
Related person
Steve Zumoff
Related institution
Beehive Coffeehouse and Dessertery
(1991 - 2018)
Related person
Scott Kramer
On View
Not on view
American Seating Inc.
Krueger Metal Products Company
2011-2019
2011-2019
KD Context
KD Context
