Michael Thonet and the Rise of Mass Producing Bentwood Chair

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Michael Thonet And the Rise of Mass Producing Bentwood Chairs Table of Contents Introduction 3 Background influences 3 The Construction 5 Chair #14 6 The Rise of Mass Production 6 Further Evolution for Design 9 Conclusion 10 Bibliography 11 Introduction Michael Thonet, known as a revolutionary carpenter and designer in the Victorian and Biedermeier period, made his mark as an innovative designer and manufacturer of chairs. He became famous for his simple and unique chair designs constructed out of solid pieces of steamed bent wood. His inspiration for the simplistic chair designs came from the Biedermeier period as the focus during that time was the working middle class family. His chairs eventually made its way to other parts of Europe where the Victorian style was more prevalent. His revolutionary designs prevailed in this time as they were a simple change from the excessively decorated Victorian Period. His chairs became affordable for all classes of people throughout Europe as mass production became a common practice for manufacturing. Through the works of Thonet, furniture manufacturing transformed immensely as craftsmen and hand carvings became obsolete and machinery and assembly lines became prevalent. Today, Thonet’s famous chair No. 14 can still be seen and bought for everyday use around the world. Ultimately, his innovative and unique designs further affected furniture manufacturing that is evident today. Background influences From childhood, Thonet was commissioned to become a carpenter who was taught and encouraged by his father to take over the trade. His father was determined to train Thonet in a way that he would be more successful than he was (Wilk 7). Throughout his adulthood, his techniques constantly evolved as he often experimented with new ways to create and form furniture (Wilk 7). These new designs and production were

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