First conceptualized in 1925-26 by German-Austrian Marcel Breuer, the Wassily Chair is a piece of furniture that holds the impeccable taste of modern design. Simple, elegant and sleek, it gives you the sophistication that you need in a corporate setting or even at home.The history of the Wassily chair is interesting:
History of the Wassily Chair
Originally named the Model B3 Chair and taking inspiration from the bent handlebars of a bicycle, Breuer first designed the Model B3 in Bauhaus. Located in Dassau, Germany, Breuer was the head of the cabinet-making workshop. His Adler bicycle design got him into using the bent steel bars into furniture, which he not just succeeded in doing, but was a breakthrough in modern furniture. Lightweight and simple in appearance, it gives the same feel to anybody who sits on it, as the canvas seat, backrest and armrests are suspended between the steel tubes which are durable in its own design. Having it around the house does not eat up so much space but it gives subtle dominance to a large room. Wassily chair can blend into any elegant or casual setting helping you eliminate the need of having multiple types of furniture for different functions.
It was not called The Wassily Chair until Breuur made one for his friend and painter Kandinsky Wassily, who was also working with Breuer in Bauhaus. Italian manufacturer Gavina renamed it Wassily chair when, after research for the Model B3 Chair, figured out a link to the artist.
The prototype for the Wassily chair was made from seamless steel tubing bent to create a smooth design, manufactured by Mannesman, a German steel company which introduced the process of bending tubes without breaking. Under the license of German-Austrian furniture manufacturer Thonet, the Wassily chair was available in the folding and non-folding versions.
The Wassily chair was given recognition but stopped production until World War II when new models had variations of black, white and brown leather, as opposed to the original fabric straps. Standard-Mobel, Lengyel and Co. carried most of Breuer’s earlier designed except for the Wassily chair. Gavina adapted the license for the Wassily and eventually with the previous designs licensed under Standard-Model, Lengyel and Co. The Gavina Group of Bolgna was purchased by Knoll in 1968 which brought them the Breuer’s designs under their belt.
Why is Wassily Chair superior ?
What made the Wassily chair’s design and engineering above the rest was its seamless bent tubing. Prior to Mannesmann’s revolutionary breakthrough of producing steel, welded seams would collapse when the tubing was bent. A year after its original production, designers were also taking on new ideas on tubular steel. Even after it was mass produced in the 1920’s through the 1950’s and still has the same sophisticated impact on modern furniture design. With its light weight, it can be moved around easily and ensures comfort and quality without compromising aesthetics. Recent releases are now chrome plated and materials range from fabric, leather and canvas.
The Wassily chair now holds the highest count for the most-copied design of all Breuer’s works. The trademark names are still owned by Knoll of New York though the patent designs have expired. Many manufacturers are still creating the same design as the Wassily chair under different names to this day.