America was first invited into Archie and Edith Bunker’s living room on January 12, 1971, and for nine seasons, this is where the country assembled for its most difficult conversations – about homosexuality, the war in Vietnam, rape, race, abortion, politics, women’s liberation, menopause. Norman Lear’s adaptation of the BBC series Till Death Us Do Part was as controversial as its UK counterpart. Yet, viewers didn’t refuse the invitation to the Bunkers’ Queens residence: The series rose to the top of the ratings for five years while garnering numerous awards. That this set remains intact is nothing short of miraculous after Comisar retrieved it from a studio warehouse, where it fell into disrepair before its careful conservation. Assembled again in the Heritage offices, complete with the couple’s trademark chairs, it seemingly comes to life: You can almost hear the insults and arguments echoing in the shabby yet sacred space.
Intelligent Collector