Side Chair c. 1851 - 1855

Curator: Let's turn our attention to this captivating "Side Chair," conceived around 1851-1855 by Michael Thonet. It’s currently part of the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: Oh, she's lovely! There's such lightness in those sweeping lines. It feels like it could dance right off the gallery floor. Is that wood? It’s all curves, I can imagine the artisan so easily bending with it and enjoying the craftsmanship. Curator: Yes, Thonet employed bentwood techniques, which were quite innovative for the time, as part of the Arts and Crafts movement. He steamed the wood to give it this graceful, curving form, a significant departure from heavier, more traditional furniture design. The intricate canework on the seat and back offer a breathable balance between strength and lightness, an intersection of form and functionality. Editor: Right, there is the idea of “functional beauty.” It feels almost…democratic. A chair that’s as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing is accessible and even forward-thinking. Does that woven cane encourage circulation? There must be so much room for innovative ideas around form here. I think you and I are experiencing "movement" in entirely different ways right now. Curator: The bentwood method was revolutionary because it allowed for mass production without sacrificing artistry, bringing well-designed, affordable furniture to a wider audience. Editor: What a beautiful testament to ingenuity! Looking closely, it’s easy to get lost in the lines, to almost forget you could sit there. It exists in that lovely space, you know, that’s simultaneously practical and yet feels like a complete object that stands for something. Do you think we should call that something home? Curator: Home, or perhaps the warmth of a well-crafted idea. Either works. I hope this has deepened your appreciation for Thonet’s Side Chair, and encourages you to reflect on your daily experience with form and design.