Originally conceived in 1925 by Marcel Breuer we are celebrating a Century of Modern Design.
This year marks a rare milestone for the Wassily Chair, a design that has not only stood the test of time but has also redefined what furniture could be. Originally conceived in 1925 by Marcel Breuer, then a young designer at the Bauhaus, the chair was a radical departure from traditional furniture design. Inspired by the sleek, tubular construction of a bicycle, Breuer crafted a chair that was both visually striking and functionally innovative.
Constructed from bent steel tubing and leather, the Wassily Chair was named after Breuer’s fellow Bauhaus colleague, Wassily Kandinsky. While its initial creation was a personal project for Breuer, it later became a cornerstone of the Knoll collection, solidifying Knoll’s reputation as a leader in bringing Bauhaus design to the mainstream.
100 years on, the Wassily Chair remains as relevant as ever, a fixture in museums, design galleries, and discerning interiors worldwide. Its minimalist form, bold geometric lines, and enduring craftsmanship have secured its place as a design icon, effortlessly bridging the past and present.
Today, the chair continues to be celebrated for its innovative use of materials, its uncompromising form, and its undeniable influence on contemporary design. As we commemorate the centenary of the Wassily Chair, we reflect on its lasting impact and its status as a symbol of modernist ingenuity, a testament to the Bauhaus principle of combining art, industry, and craftsmanship.
During Milan Design Week 2024, Knoll unveiled new colourways for the Wassily Chair, reimagining the modernist classic for contemporary interiors. The introductions of ultra-matte dark red, onyx, and white reframe the iconic form of this Bauhaus-era chair. As one of Knoll’s most enduring and recognisable designs, the Wassily Chair continues to exemplify the perfect blend of art and function, a true modernist masterpiece that has transcended trends to become an enduring icon of contemporary design.
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