Designed in the 1920s, the design for this chair often attributed to Josef Hoffman, but is more likely the design of Josef Frank. This design, using bentwood pieces of varying widths and profiles followed in the tradition of Michael Thonet. It appeared on the cover of the Thonet Brothers Ltd catalog of the time with the model number A811F.

In 1830, German cabinet maker Michael Thonet began experimenting with furniture made by bending wood that had been steamed into a soft and pliable state. Over the 20 years, Thonet and his sons developed the processes and machines that would allow them to build bentwood furniture in unprecedented quantities. It was in this time period that he developed what has become thought of as the "tradtional" Thonet bentwood chair: one featuring a back rest and back legs made from a single piece, a rounded cane or laminated seat, and front legs. The output of the Thonet factories was vast, due in part to his idea of designing separate pieces which would be combined to make a large number of models. Michael Thonet stands out as a designer and pioneer both in mass production and in design, as he artistically explored the new forms and unique qualities of his newly invented technique.

The Thonet armchair No. 811 is also available as an chair and a stool.

A licensed reproduction.

Dimensions: W 17 3/4" x D 20 1/2" x H 32.5"; SH 18", AH 27"

Materials: Chair with bentwood frame; hand woven cane seat and back.