Why was Michael Thonet No 14 originally designed?
The design was a response to a requirement for cafe-style chairs. The seat was often made of woven cane or palm, because the holes in the seat would let spilt liquid drain off the chair. Chair No 14 is still produced by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna.
What was significant about the Thonet chair?
It was the first piece of furniture designed to be shipped in parts to save space during transportation and came with simple instructions to put it together. The No. 14 could have been a source of inspiration for IKEA, the biggest manufacturer of ready-to-assemble furniture today.
How do you identify a Thonet rocker?
A sure way of identifying a real Thonet from around the turn of the 20th century is the presence of the company name (THONET) with a solid line underneath carved somewhere into the chair. This mark could be on the bottom of the curved arms or legs or under the seat .
What are Thonet chairs made from?
Designed in the 1850s by Thonet Brothers in Vienna, the chairs were revolutionary – mass-produced from bent solid wood as well as the more pliable laminated wood.
Who designed Thonet chairs?
Josef Hoffmann, Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos, all of whom designed for Thonet, made use of his bentwood techniques to create classic chair designs still produced or copied today. Le Corbusier later used Thonet furniture in his Pavillon de l’Esprit Nouveau at the 1925 Paris Exposition des Arts Décoratifs.
Where are Thonet chairs made?
In 1941, as demand for their furniture in the USA continued to grow, Thonet came to the US and began production in Statesville, North Carolina.
What style is the Thonet chair?
Basically, the Thonet chair was the result of using light, strong types of wood that were bent into curved, very graceful forms thanks to the use of hot steam. In this manner, he could create a myriad of designs that were unique, comfortable and quite durable.
Are all Thonet chairs marked?
The result was durable furniture that was attractive, fashionable, and lightweight. Thonet chairs are marked with a label on the underside of the seat. Most of the chair seats are rush or canned and the bent wood supports the back and legs of the chair in gentle curved styles.
How much is a Thonet rocking chair worth?
Prices for Thonet rocking chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at $375 and tops out at $3,262, while pieces like these can sell for $855 on average.
Are Thonet chairs still made?
A few years later, in 1853, he transferred the company to his sons under the name Gebrüder Thonet. In 1850 he produced his Nr. 1 chair. 14 – is still called the “chair of chairs” with some 50 million produced and still in production today.
What is a Brentwood chair?
The Brentwood chair is designed with a mesh back that allows air flow for cool comfort. It is a versatile, all day, simple to use ergonomic chair. Features include pneumatic seat height adjustment, self-adjusting tilt resistance, and four position tilt back lock. Arms are both height and width adjustable.
How do you pronounce Thonet chair?
Thonet: (German, Austrian) toe-net. A German-Austrian furniture maker who invented bentwood furniture. Also a reference name for bentwood furniture. A common mispronunciation is: tho-NAY.