Hi Everyone!

There are many variables that contribute to a beautifully designed space and that includes the furniture that is placed within the room.  There are some styles of furniture that have really captured my attention, some are Instagram favourites while others are a little less mainstream but equally fantastic.  Many times I find myself wanting to know more about them, it’s history or it’s backstory so to speak so I present to you The Furniture Files!  

The Wassily Chair is the star of today’s Furniture Files post.  Easily recognizable and a popular Instagram star in its own right, the Wassily Chair is has experienced waves of popularity since it was first designed in 1926.  Originally known as the B3 model chair, it was designed by Marcel Breuer while he was at the Bauhaus in Dessau Germany as head of the cabinet making workshop.

The painter Wassily Kandinsky was at the Bauhaus at the same time as Breuer and greatly admired the design of the B3 model chair.  He loved it so much that Breuer had a duplicate chair made for Kandinsky.  The B3 model chair didn’t become known as the Wassily chair until decades later when the design was re-released by the Italian furniture manufacturer Gavina.  Thru their research of the chair, Gavina learned of the Kandinsky connection with the chair and decided to release it under a new name – The Wassily Chair

The first version of the Wassily chair designed by Marcel Breuer along with a tubular steel furniture collection, was inspired by the construction of a bicycle and used the techniques of local plumbers. Breuer had recently purchased his first bicycle and the lightness of the tubular steel frame inspired him to experiment with the material in furniture design. Breuer’s first designs which includes the Wassily chair have become icons within the style of modern furniture and are some of the most easily identifiable.   Of all of the different versions of the Wassily chair that have been produced, the Thonet version is known to be the most rare as it went out of production during World War II.

What makes this chair so popular is the use of the materials which include bent, tubular steel and eisengarn (aka iron yard) along with its manufacturing methods.  When it was first produced, the Wassily chair was first available in both a folding and non-folding version.  In early versions, the straps were made of fabric that were pulled taut along the back of the chair with the use of springs.

The Wassily chair has been mass produced since the 1920’s and has continuously been in production since the 1950’s.  While the name Wassily Chair has been trademarked by Knoll of New York City, there are many reproductions being produced and marketed around the world by other manufacturers under different names.  I personally love  the Wassily Chair as I love the modern, elegant and industrial look of it.  I have always gravitated to a steel and leather combination so the Wassily Chair fits my tastes perfectly.  My favourite colour though is a buttery camel colour instead of the popular black leather, I find that it adds a softness to the look of the chair while making it look more welcoming, comfortable and elegant.  

What do you think of the Wassily Chair?  Would you consider adding it to you space.  Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for stopping by Stylishly Zen today!  I hope that you have a beautiful day!  XXS

Photo Credits: http://www.steelform.com, http://www.chairish.com, http://www.eternitymodern.ca, http://www.interiorcom.com