The Breuer Chair

It was Pecs, Hungary and the year was 1902. The world would receive one of the greatest architects and furniture designers of the 20th century Marcel Breuer. Breuer would grow into a man who’s imagination and natural talent for design would make him and icon. As an adult Breuer first began his studies in Vienna. He attended a university there because he had obtained a scholarship. But it was not to his liking and he made the decision to work in an architecture office. He would find his place eventually in Germany where he would study and teach at the Bauhaus School of Design. Here Breuer was encouraged to let his imagination run wild experimenting with the blend of industrial materials with fine art creations. Once Breuer completed his studies at Bauhaus he moved to Paris and worked there in yet another architecture office.

Art and Technology

A year passed and Brueuer was asked to return to Bauhaus to be the schools new Young Master, head of the Carpentry Workshop. Breuer had a passion for combining art and technology. The Breuer chair was in many eyes his masterpiece. The design is known to be inspired by the form of bicycle handlebars. This chair was named the Wassily chair named after the man it was designed for. The original chair frame was constructed from polished bent tubular steal. The seat of the chair could be made with various materials. Some of the materials used are canvas, different types of fabric, or leather.

Breuer began to use tubular steel to construct tables, stools and cupboards. He began to design houses of standardized metal and later of bamboo. For Breuer all if his designs were modern and innovative. In 1928 Breuer designed furniture and interiors for his own architectural practice in Berlin. The economy began to slump and eventually he was forced to close his business. He traveled for a while and upon his return he was employed at Harnischmacher House in Wiesbaden. After a couple of years he joined a team of architects and aided them in the design of the Doldertal Houses.

His passion for furniture would be revived in 1932. He was able to revisit his use of steel and aluminum in his furniture which he created for the Wohnbedarf Company. Breuer was eventually forced to emigrate to London because of the upcoming war. There he was once again designing architectural structures but he had the liberty to incorporate steel, glass, and other modern materials. When he was able to again dedicate his design talents to the construction of furniture pieces he began constructing plywood pieces.

The New York Era

Breuer eventually moved to New York where he once more opened an architectural practice. Between 1940 to 1950, he designed seventy private houses, including his own. He was also featured in a touring exhibition for the Museum of Modern Art. Later on, his designs would be featured by the Whitney Museum of American Art. Breuer would become one of the innovators of the modern art movement. His works displayed around the world for years to come.

Breuer’s chair designs have become more and more iconic pieces of modern art and not just simple furnishings. The styles and designs have remained prominent in the world of furniture and design today. Although some of the original materials that Breuer’s chairs consisted of where eventually changed for marketability, the designs remain the same.

Breuers chairs seem to the story about the fusion of technology and art. Many people today feel that his chairs tell the story of the Modernest Art Movement simply by their designs. Interior designers seemed to be drawn to because of their uniqueness. His chairs bring not only style to any decorum but a sense of history of that era and art. The also tell the story of Breuers’s life into a tangible real form. There are still some of Breuer’s original chairs are available but they are somewhat hard to find. But many newer furniture stores are creating replicas because it seems that his designs have returned to popularity.

Breuers talent will continue to inspire many artists in the coming years. As technology advances works of art will be inspired with the creation of man made materials they may have never been considered for use in furniture. Thanks to innovative thinking of Marcel Breuer many new artists can have a source of inspiration when it comes to fabricating designs that others may not think are possible. Marcel Breurer opened the doors of imagination to blend technology with the art of furniture design. It is a fact that can be confirmed just by taking the time to study and look at his fabulous chairs, which are truly works of art.

If you truly want a unique piece that will make your business, restaurant, bar or hotel stand out among others, a décor that will be a conversational piece as well, then Breuer chairs are what you want to find. Mind you they probably wont come cheap, but they will make your business unique and different.

Maybe Breurer is not really what you want, but by looking at his designs you will get a better idea of what will work for you, as far as your business décor goes. You can choose similar styles with a more artistic look, create a scrap book of creative pieces you might want to add to your décor. Remember you only need one or two designer items to give an area a truly unique look. You may even be able to find pieces that are knock off and give you the look you want. If you really want to add unique flavor to your business you should really consult with an expert interior designer, just so that you don’t overdo it, and only add just the right touch and nothing more.