GamFratesi pairs bent wood and rattan for Gebrüder Thonet furniture line

Danish design duo GamFratesi has created a new furniture collection for Gebrüder Thonet, unveiled at the Salone del Mobile 2015 trade fair in Milan. The collection, which includes a two-seater sofa, an armchair, an office chair, a desk, and high- and low-backed dining chairs, notably incorporates patterned cane panels and steam-bent wood. This collaboration reimagines Gebrüder Thonet's historic use of steam-bent wood, a technique the company pioneered since its founding in 1853 by Michael Thonet. The firm was famous for large-scale furniture manufacturing and its iconic No 14 chair, which sold over 50 million units by 1930. The Targa sofa and armchair in the collection feature an upholstered design set upon a steam-bent wooden frame, characteristic of Gebrüder Thonet's craftsmanship. The backrests of these pieces integrate a rattan section with gently rounded edges. GamFratesi described the Vienna cane as a typical Thonet element, noting its dual function as a decorative detail and a subtle screen, effectively bridging the wood and upholstery components. This integration creates a visually interesting connection between different materials and textures within the furniture. The Allegory desk extends the use of cane panelling, featuring a large circular screen that draws parallels with a chair's backrest. This innovative application of the cane weave serves both as structural support for the desk and as a practical storage and display area for items like postcards or other papers. The collection also includes a three-legged office chair, which is designed with a rattan seat and a single, elegantly curved strip of wood forming its backrest, emphasizing minimalist aesthetics while maintaining functional support. The Morris chairs, another key part of the collection, offer a fresh interpretation of Gebrüder Thonet's signature Thonet chair. These upholstered dining chairs are available in two backrest heights and feature cane-patterned backs, echoing the traditional craftsmanship of the brand while introducing contemporary elements. The development of this comprehensive line stemmed from a conversation with Gebrüder Thonet, where GamFratesi's approach to materials resonated with the company's vision for new collaborations. This collection is part of a broader initiative by Gebrüder Thonet to partner with various designers, including Nicola Gallizia, Michele De Lucchi, AnkiGneib, Martino Gamper, and Nendo. The goal of these collaborations is to reinterpret and modernize the company's historical products. GamFratesi noted that while the initial request was for a chair, the design process naturally expanded to encompass a full 360-degree environment, providing pieces for sitting, writing, and relaxing. Gebrüder Thonet highlighted that these new designs bring steam-bent beech, a hallmark of the brand, into a contemporary context, showcasing the flexibility of wood as if it were a line drawn in pencil. Previous collaborations have also seen designers like Swedish group Front use Gebrüder Thonet's signature bent wood for items such as a combined coat rack and bench and a set of tables. The fusion of bent wood and woven rattan has also been explored by other designers, including Milan design studio Skrivo, which used these materials for an angular armchair. GamFratesi has also been involved in curating design showcases, such as the Mindcraft exhibition in Milan, which featured both established and emerging Danish designers. #GamFratesi #GebruderThonet #FurnitureDesign #BentWood #RattanFurniture #SaloneDelMobile #MilanDesignWeek #ContemporaryDesign #GamFratesi #GebruderThonet #FurnitureDesign #BentWood #RattanFurniture #SaloneDelMobile #MilanDesignWeek #ContemporaryDesign

123 months ago

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