Michael Thonet (1796–1871). Rocking Chair, Model #1, Designed ca. 1860, manufactured ca. 1900. Copper beech, leather, 39 1/4 x 22 1/2 x 45 in. (99.7 x 57.2 x 114.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Caroline A.L. Pratt Fund, 69.79.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 69.79.1_threequarter_PS6.jpg)
Michael Thonet (1796–1871). Rocking Chair, Model #1, Designed ca. 1860, manufactured ca. 1900. Copper beech, leather, 39 1/4 x 22 1/2 x 45 in. (99.7 x 57.2 x 114.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Caroline A.L. Pratt Fund, 69.79.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 69.79.1_profile_PS6.jpg)
Rocking Chair, Model #1
Decorative Arts and Design
Michael Thonet (1796-1871)
Bentwood furniture, perhaps the most ubiquitous type of furniture worldwide, is indebted to the nineteenth-century innovations of Michael Thonet. Although the process—which involves steaming wood and bending it into curved shapes—had been used since ancient times to manufacture not only furniture but also wheels, barrels, and boat hulls, Thonet’s application of it in the 1830s was revolutionary. Thonet was the first designer to fuse the means of production and design to create superior products: his chairs were stronger, lighter, and less expensive than traditionally made ones. He was also a master of marketing, selling his designs through catalogues and an international chain of stores. He offered the same piece of furniture in different colors, and he produced pieces for adults, children, and even dolls (as seen here) to capture as much of the consumer market as possible.
Bentwood furniture, perhaps the most ubiquitous type of furniture worldwide, is indebted to the nineteenth-century innovations of Michael Thonet. Although the process—which involves steaming wood and bending it into curved shapes—had been used since ancient times to manufacture not only furniture but also wheels, barrels, and boat hulls, Thonet’s application of it in the 1830s was revolutionary. Thonet was the first designer to fuse the means of production and design to create superior products: his chairs were stronger, lighter, and less expensive than traditionally made ones. He was also a master of marketing, selling his designs through catalogues and an international chain of stores. He offered the same piece of furniture in different colors, and he produced pieces for adults, children, and even dolls (as seen here) to capture as much of the consumer market as possible.
DESIGNER
Michael Thonet, 1796–1871
MANUFACTURER
Gebrüder Thonet, Austrian, founded Vienna, 1842
MEDIUM
Copper beech, leather
DATES
Designed ca. 1860, manufactured ca. 1900
DIMENSIONS
39 1/4 x 22 1/2 x 45 in. (99.7 x 57.2 x 114.3 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Decorative Arts and Design
ACCESSION NUMBER
69.79.1
CREDIT LINE
Caroline A.L. Pratt Fund
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Michael Thonet (1796–1871). Rocking Chair, Model #1, Designed ca. 1860, manufactured ca. 1900. Copper beech, leather, 39 1/4 x 22 1/2 x 45 in. (99.7 x 57.2 x 114.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Caroline A.L. Pratt Fund, 69.79.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 69.79.1_threequarter_PS6.jpg)
IMAGE
69.79.1_threequarter_PS6.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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