vogue living - may/june 09
On the last page is the thonet bentwood chair. I love the painted finish with the timber socks!
vogue living - may/june 09Which got me to thinking, I have long admired the thonet chair, I think it works so well in a cafe or restaurant setting, or in my home! It was designed in 1859 by Michael Thonet, who was looking for a simpler and more economical production process to existing furniture production methods. The result the bentwood chair, the basic technique for which has not significantly changed since the 19th century.
Used by Le Corbusier in the 1920's.
Many of my favourite chairs are ones that have come about from production innovation. A great aspect of interior design is that you are working with history! Elements that you pick for an interior can have such an interesting back story. Here are a few of my other favs, with a little of the back history!
Eames rocking chair
The original emco chair was designed for the US Navy in 1944. The manufacturing process came about from a collaboration with ALMCO to develop a seaworthy chair suitable for military use. Made from an aluminium alloy material, the chair is rust free, lightweight and has a life expectancy of 150 years, oh and apparently can survive a torpedo blast!
Xavier Pauchard/Tolix
Originally designed for use in French Bistros in 1934, it revolutionised the use of sheet metal.
Egg Chair
A design classic, one of my very talented colleagues loves this chair. It looks fantastic in a tan leather, especially an aniline leather that shows age so beautifully. Arne Jackobsen designed the egg chair in 1958 for the Royal Hotel foyer in Copenhagen. The iconic shape was designed to give privacy in public areas. Wishbone chair
The wishbone chair was designed by Hans J Wegner in 1949, and is built using traditional methods. It's designed to last a lifetime, what more can I say! Design classics usually have a great back story of innovation. Which new/innovative/current designs will stand the test of time?!
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