Gebrüder Thonet

Gebrüder Thonet was a German corporation founded by Michael Thonet and his sons in 1853. Michael Thonet was a pioneer in the industrialization of furniture manufacturing, particularly known for his innovative bentwood furniture. He developed techniques for bending solid beechwood into curvilinear shapes using heat and steam, allowing for mass production of furniture.

Thonet's designs, such as café chairs and rocking chairs, became widely popular due to their lightness, comfort, affordability, and graceful appearance. His work was exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and sold globally. The company's success led to factories being established across Europe and exports to South America and the United States. The bentwood technique was later revived by prominent 20th-century designers like Le Corbusier.12