Michael Thonet, Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH

Austrian, German, 1796-1871 The development of bentwood for use in furniture is one of history’s most significant innovations in design. A range of renowned mid-century modern designers such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, and Charles and Ray Eames drew heavily on this technological advancement, and the success of their enduring works owes to the efforts of pioneering German-Austrian industrialist and designer Michael Thonet — founder of Thonet and widely considered the father of bentwood furniture.

Thonet was founded by German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet, whose experiments with steam-bent wood transformed furniture production in the 19th century. The company became internationally known for lightweight, durable bentwood chairs and later played an important role in modernist tubular-steel furniture. Its designs combined industrial production with clear construction, functional forms and economical use of materials.