On View
1968 & Beyond Gallery
Exhibition
A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond
Created by
Unidentified
Used by
Muse, Isaiah, American, 1919 - 2012
Date
1970s
Medium
wood, vinyl, padding, metal and tape
Dimensions
H x W x D: 43 × 105 × 25 in., 221 lb. (109.2 × 266.7 × 63.5 cm, 100.2 kg)
Description
A bar counter faced with padded red vinyl. On the front red vinyl surface, "MR. MUSE" is written in large capital letters via metal rivets secured through the vinyl and padding to the wood below, creating a slightly quilted look. The bar frame is constructed of wood plywood sheeting and 2 x 4 boards. The top of the bar counter, and the footrest across the entire front of the bar, is covered with a thick black and gold patterned vinyl sheeting. The vinyl sheeting is nailed to the underlying wood, and is secured on the footrest with metal trim molding, and along the counter edge with red plastic tape that is no longer adhered. The counter edge is scalloped. The entire scalloped edge is finished with a rolled padded trim edge, approximately 3" diameter, covered with the same red vinyl as the front, and tacked down with metal rivets. The rolled edge is stapled on the underside to the bar itself, and the stapled edge is trimmed with fabric tape. The interior of the bar has one (1) shelf approximately 15" below the counter. The shelf is covered in a green and white tile patterned vinyl. The rest of the interior of the bar is unfinished.
Place used
South Shore, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Type
cocktail lounges
counters
Topic
Black interiors
Domestic life
Nightlife
Segregation
Social life and customs
Urban life
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cassandra Fay Smith
Object number
2011.101.9
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ba323670-f895-495e-86bf-268bb5820393

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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