Listings / Furniture / Seating / Lounge Chairs

{{ imageTitle }} Click on image to Enlarge

OFFERED BY

36 North Ferry Rd, P.O. Box 1920 Shelter Island, NY 11964 United States 917.318.1239

Email Dealer

Showrooms

Thonet

Thonet Lounge Chairs

Documentation

Documented elsewhere (exact item)

Period

1950-1979

Materials

Bentwood

Dimensions

W.	24.25 in;	H.	40.5 in;	D.	29.5 in;
W.	61.6 cm;	H.	102.87 cm;	D.	74.93 cm;

Seat H.	16 in;
Seat H.	40.64 cm;

Condition

Good. Perfect condition. Newly refurbished and reupholstered.

Number of Pieces

2-3

Description

Pair of beautifully crafted Mid-Century Modern bentwood lounge chairs by Thonet. Elegantly and meticulously refurbished and reupholstered in hair-on cowhide with maple veneer bentwood supports. The bentwood method refers to the molding and shaping of wood or wooden veneers into a curved shape. These chairs were created in the bentwood style using the lamination method of wood bending, which involves the creation of a wooden block out of many layers of precisely and finely cut wooden veneers glued together, which significantly increases its durability and stability. This block is then steamed, which allows the wood to become flexible whilst still retaining its strength and integrity. At this point, the now-flexible wooden confection is then clamped around a custom caliper to create a custom bent shape, which simultaneously maximizes the comfort, strength, and aesthetic of the newly crafted piece.

This revolutionary technique was pioneered by revolutionary woodworker and craftsman Michael Thonet in nineteenth century Germany. Thonet created the bentwood method after years of experimentation with the goal of finding new and unique ways to craft and shape wooden furniture. His newfound technique of steam bending the wood allowed him to create groundbreaking and innovative wooden pieces that were not only elegant, durable, and lightweight, but a clear departure from the rigidity of classic Old World design. Thonet’s woodworking revolution coincided with the rise of modernism and modernist design in Europe, which would propel his groundbreaking bentwood creations to showrooms and exhibitions across the continent and, eventually, across the world.

Styles / Movements

Mid Century, Modern

Incollect Reference Number

414535