description Wassily Chair Overview
The Wassily chair, designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, represents a pivotal moment in furniture design. Constructed primarily from bent tubular steel, it was one of the earliest applications of this material for mass-produced seating. Its innovative use influenced subsequent modern designs and remains popular with architects, designers, and anyone seeking a functional and aesthetically minimalist chair.
insights Ranking position
Wassily Chair ranks #42 of 148 in the Icon ranking, behind Rollei Rolleiflex 2.8F, ahead of Contax T2.
balance Wassily Chair Pros & Cons
- Iconic modernist design
- Supportive angled seat
- Durable tubular steel frame
- Visually lightweight construction
- Wide spatial footprint
- Armrests feel rigid
- Licensed versions are expensive
help Wassily Chair FAQ
Who designed the Wassily Chair and when?
The Wassily Chair was designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925 while he was a young instructor at the Bauhaus school in Dessau, Germany. Breuer was inspired by the bent tubular steel of bicycle handlebars, which led him to experiment with the material for furniture.
Why is the chair called the 'Wassily' Chair?
The chair was named after Wassily Kandinsky, the Russian painter and fellow Bauhaus instructor who greatly admired Breuer's design. The name was not applied by Breuer himself but was adopted later by the manufacturer when the chair went into wider production.
Who manufactures the Wassily Chair today?
The Italian furniture company Knoll holds the official license to produce the Wassily Chair and has manufactured it since the 1960s. Authentic Knoll-produced chairs bear a stamped signature of Marcel Breuer to distinguish them from unauthorized copies.
What materials is the Wassily Chair made from?
The frame is constructed from seamless bent tubular steel, plated in chrome, while the seat slings are made from thick saddle leather or canvas belting. This combination of industrial steel and natural leather was revolutionary for furniture design in 1925 and became a hallmark of Bauhaus aesthetics.
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