B 9 a-d by Thonet

At imm cologne 2012, Thonet will show famous design classics by Marcel Breuer in new and very special designs. As of now, the S 32 and S 64 cantilever chairs, as well as the B9 a-d set of side tables, are available in nickel-plated tubular steel, oiled wood and a distinct, full-grain leather. ‘Pure Materials’ is the name of the new series that lends well-known pieces a very individual character. Each of the design classics from the Pure Materials series tells its own story of how beautiful and long-lasting objects have been used. Thonet plans to produce other classic pieces and designs from the Thonet programme, using the new materials.

A new finish creating a new look: unlike their standard counterparts, the tubular steel frames from the Pure Materials series are not chrome- but nickel-plated. Nickel reacts to touch and this special quality lends it a natural patina and gives the furniture a vintage feel. Each object becomes a unique piece, since each user leaves their own traces. The wooden parts of the Pure Materials furniture are oiled, both to enhance and to make visible the tactile qualities of the wood’s structure: those parts that are used the most are smoother than others, and this, too, creates ambience. Nubuck leather is used as a covering material and the upholstered parts are enhanced with a base padding before being covered, resulting in an extraordinarily comfortable feel. Even after short time of use, the upholstery will display folds, lending the leather an individual look. Sturdy stitched seams make for high wear-and-tear resistance and ensure the durability of the covers.

During his time at the Bauhaus Marcel Breuer experimented with steel and tubular steel as materials by logically translating the principles of furniture design appropriate for the material involved from wood to this new material. The proximity to the Junkers plant in Dessau was of enormous advantage. Among his first designs are the nesting tables B 9 and shelves as well as side furniture (B 10, B 22). The Thonet catalog from 1930/31 included the complete program range. B 9 chairs were, for example, used in the cafeteria of Walter Gropius' Bauhaus building. Today, these elegant designs find their place in homes and the semi-public sector.

B 9 a-d: Side furniture in 4 different sizes, available individually or as a set. B d/1 with additional shelf. Frames chrome-plated tubular steel, wooden parts in stained beech or varnished in diverse shades.

B 10 side table, B 10/1 with additional shelf. Frames chrome-plated tubular steel, wooden parts in stained beech or varnished in diverse shades.

B 22 a Shelf with evenly distributed compartments, B 22 b with compartments at folder-height distance. Frames chrome-plated tubular steel, wooden parts in stained beech or varnished in diverse shades.