Hard to top the tradition. In the mid-19th century, Michael Thonet revolutionized chair manufacturing, and not just because his Armchair No. 1 of 1849 is made of bent solid wood, so-called bentwood. For its individual parts form a construction kit the parts of which can also be combined to form other models. This marked the birth of unit furniture and industrial mass production. We all know what happened next: by 1930, no less than 50 million copies had been sold of his 1859 “Consumer Chair no. 14”, the classic Vienna coffeehouse chair, alone.

Now it’s hard to repeat revolutions, but Christian Werner’s new “Bentwood Sofa 2002” nevertheless confidently takes its place in this famous lineage and brings a decidedly modern look to the heritage. Werner manages to turn the dual bentwood strut in the renowned chairs (such as in Model 209) into an expansive band that frames the opulent low seating upholstery. It is this elegant curve that builds the bridge to the contemporary world. Moreover, the loose cushions offer a glance here and there of the refined bentwood frame and thus excitingly contrast with the large upholstered section. If you remove the cushions for a moment you get a great comfortable daybed. The frame is available optionally in stained or lacquered beech or in oiled ash, lacquered or stained; upholstery covers can be selected at will, and the cushions are available in two different sizes and can be purchased individually. (tw)

www.christian-werner.com
www.thonet.de

Thonet
Salone Internazionale del Mobile
April 14-19, 2015
Milan, Rho trade-fair complex
Hall 5, booth L 08