Pure Materials 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.

These designs are probably the most famous and most-produced tubular steel classics. Their most important property is the sophisticated constructive form and ingenious aesthetic combination of tubular steel, wood, and wicker. The design goes back to Breuer's productive years in Berlin from 1928 until 1931 during which, after leaving the Bauhaus, he worked as an independent architect and interior designer and realized a number of grand interiors and designed numerous pieces of furniture. Thonet has been producing these models since 1930. Due to the aesthetic reduction and clarity, they are suitable for many uses: conference rooms, waiting areas, restaurants, and homes.

Without (S 32) or with armrests (S 64). Frame chrome-plated tubular steel. Wooden parts in stained beech or varnished. Lining with wicker,* plastic mesh or upholstered and covered with leather or fabric.

*For seats that are subject to heavy use, a transparent plastic mesh is available for mounting beneath the wicker cane.