209 R Armchair with Wickerwork

The 209 R Armchair was designed for the manufacturer Thonet.

Founded in 1830, the company enjoyed its commercial breakthrough in the 1860s in Vienna with the development of mass produced bentwood furniture, which could be made using industrial techniques and could be flat packed for export. Many of the pieces from this period continue to be perennially popular and are still in production today.

One such piece is the 209 R Armchair, which was conceived by members of the Thonet family in 1900. Measuring 75cm in height and 54cm in width, with a seat height of 46cm, it is striking both for its graceful, Art Nouveau appearance and its economy of design. The whole chair is constructed from only six elements. The rear legs and the lower part of the backrest are formed from one piece of solid beech wood, as are the arms which swoop down in a gentle line and delicately curl in on themselves. A cane work seat adds to the light, airy feeling of the piece. Still as charming as ever, over a century since it was first introduced, the 209 Armchair works equally well in cafes, tea rooms and conservatories.