Seat Cushion

A pair of velvet upholstered cushions joined by leather straps.

Object Details

Title: Seat Cushion

Maker: Unknown

Date: ca. 1922

Medium: Cotton, velvet

Dimensions: 12 cm (height of cushion); 45 cm (width of cushion); 150 cm (length of straps)

Catalog Number: HOFR 9368

 

This cushion was attached to FDR's desk chair. It is composed of two separate pads, each upholstered in burgundy velvet and joined by oilcloth straps. The straps, made of oilcoth, wrapped around and buckled toghether below the underside of the chair seat to secure it in place. This cushion provided a platform for the user, improving comfort, aiding posture, and distributing the user's weight to alleviate pressure points. Roosevelt was completely and permanently paralyzed from the waist down, unable to stand or walk without support.This seat cushion is one of the many devices, included his leg braces and corset, that helped him maintain proper positioning.

Last updated: August 8, 2023

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