The bentwood (Viennese) chair, which is in the collection of the Local History Museum of Kopeysk City District, is made of light brown wood. Its design is distinguished by grace and smoothness of forms. The back is combined with the back legs, and the front legs are slightly spread out. The round seat is decorated with an embossed floral pattern.
Bentwood chairs appeared almost two hundred years ago. Their production became possible after a new wood processing technique appeared. Wood began to be soaked in boiling water or steamed. This allowed the product to bend and acquire the desired shape. After this treatment, sledges, boats, barrels, and luxury furniture were made from wood. The first person to use this technique to create beautiful chairs was Michael Tonet. In 1830, Tonet, the son of a tanner from the small town of Boppard, became interested in the possibility of making furniture from steam-bent plywood. Unlike traditional heavy furniture, the products were elegant, light, and very durable.
Ten years later, the master invented molds for making several identical segments at the same time. Thanks to this invention, the first mass production of bent furniture was opened. Two years later, the technology was patented. The lightness, strength, and simplicity of the design combined with the low cost provided a high demand for bent furniture. Products were made collapsible. They could be freely transported to their destination. One large box could hold as many as 36 chairs. Michael Tonet was the author of what Otto Bismarck called the greatest invention of the German people. His designs attracted the attention of the Austrian Duke Metternich, and he invited the master to Vienna. Tonet took an active part in creating the interiors of the Liechtenstein Palace, and later the Schwarzenberg Palace. In 1849, Michael opened his own workshop in Vienna. Hence, the name ‘Viennese’ chair appeared.
Bentwood wooden chairs have become a real revolution in furniture production. The technology made it possible to simultaneously produce large batches of beautiful and durable furniture. At the same time, the cost of wood was minimal. Manual labor was no longer required. The process was fully mechanized. It is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost, and the elegant and comfortable furniture has become affordable for most buyers. The bentwood chair has become a symbol of a new historical era. With its appearance, the time of handicraft production of piece furniture ended and the era of industrial unified production began.
In Russia, bentwood furniture appeared at the end of the 19th century. The first to use it were the owners of entertainment and gastronomic establishments. Later, bentwood chairs appeared in classrooms, in various institutions, and even in the State Duma. In 1889, the company ‘Tonet Brothers’ became the official supplier of the Russian Imperial Court. After the revolution, the company ceased its activities in Russia, but the bentwood chairs remained with their owners and became constant companions of everyday life.
Bentwood chairs appeared almost two hundred years ago. Their production became possible after a new wood processing technique appeared. Wood began to be soaked in boiling water or steamed. This allowed the product to bend and acquire the desired shape. After this treatment, sledges, boats, barrels, and luxury furniture were made from wood. The first person to use this technique to create beautiful chairs was Michael Tonet. In 1830, Tonet, the son of a tanner from the small town of Boppard, became interested in the possibility of making furniture from steam-bent plywood. Unlike traditional heavy furniture, the products were elegant, light, and very durable.
Ten years later, the master invented molds for making several identical segments at the same time. Thanks to this invention, the first mass production of bent furniture was opened. Two years later, the technology was patented. The lightness, strength, and simplicity of the design combined with the low cost provided a high demand for bent furniture. Products were made collapsible. They could be freely transported to their destination. One large box could hold as many as 36 chairs. Michael Tonet was the author of what Otto Bismarck called the greatest invention of the German people. His designs attracted the attention of the Austrian Duke Metternich, and he invited the master to Vienna. Tonet took an active part in creating the interiors of the Liechtenstein Palace, and later the Schwarzenberg Palace. In 1849, Michael opened his own workshop in Vienna. Hence, the name ‘Viennese’ chair appeared.
Bentwood wooden chairs have become a real revolution in furniture production. The technology made it possible to simultaneously produce large batches of beautiful and durable furniture. At the same time, the cost of wood was minimal. Manual labor was no longer required. The process was fully mechanized. It is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost, and the elegant and comfortable furniture has become affordable for most buyers. The bentwood chair has become a symbol of a new historical era. With its appearance, the time of handicraft production of piece furniture ended and the era of industrial unified production began.
In Russia, bentwood furniture appeared at the end of the 19th century. The first to use it were the owners of entertainment and gastronomic establishments. Later, bentwood chairs appeared in classrooms, in various institutions, and even in the State Duma. In 1889, the company ‘Tonet Brothers’ became the official supplier of the Russian Imperial Court. After the revolution, the company ceased its activities in Russia, but the bentwood chairs remained with their owners and became constant companions of everyday life.
