
Low Piece (Bench)
<p>Best known for meticulously crafted pieces made of stone, metal, and concrete, Scott Burton consistently demonstrated a profound awareness of aesthetics and utility. Creating works that blur the boundaries between sculpture and furniture, he began his early studio pieces from the 1970s as found objects, usually mass-produced furniture. In the 1980s, he moved squarely into the realm of original design, producing rigorously reductive, geometric, and abstract pieces such as <em>Low Piece (Bench)</em>. An example of Burton’s mature style, this piece conveys his passion for combining fine art and practical design and, in the process, opening up the scope of inquiry for both disciplines. All of Burton’s late works, including studio objects presented in traditional gallery spaces or site-specific projects for public areas, carry the potential for practical public use. Visitors are invited to use this sculpture as a bench.</p>
Catalogue
- Year
- 1985
- Medium
- Himalayan blue granite
- Dimensions
- 43.2 × 121.9 × 45.7 cm (17 × 48 × 18 in.)
- Collection
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Artist
- Scott Burton
Artist

Mixed Media
Walter Scott Burton III was an American artist and writer who primarily worked in sculpture and performance art. He was best known for his large-scale furniture sculptures in materials like granite and bronze, often made as public art.
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More by Scott Burton
Perforated Metal Settee and Perforated Metal Chairs
1988 · Aluminum
Seating for Eight
1985 · African red granite; edition number two of two
Pair of Rock Chairs
1980 · Stone (gneiss)
Aluminum Chair
1980 · Lacquered aluminum and black paint
Aluminum Chair
1980 · Aluminum, lacquer
Child's Table and Chair
1978 · Wood, stainless steel, leather, paint on cushion, and mirror
Record
Verified by WattsOS- Artist
- Scott Burton
- Year
- 1985
- Medium
- Himalayan blue granite
- Dimensions
- 43.2 × 121.9 × 45.7 cm (17 × 48 × 18 in.)
- Watts ID
- WW-1985-101082
Source
- Collection
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Source
- aic
- Reference
- View at source
- Status
- verified





