Must-Know Chair: The Wassily Chair (aka The Model B3)
Marcel Breuer's revolutionary chair is modernist, modern and timeless
Rebecca Gross
26 February 2016
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
Designers find inspiration for their work in obscure and wonderful places sometimes and Marcel Breuer’s Model B3 is certainly one of these. Breuer designed the chair in 1925-26 while he taught at the Bauhaus school in Germany, drawing inspiration from the handle bars of his bicycle that he rode every day. It was the first all-tubular steel chair and his revolutionary use of materials and methods of manufacturing proved influential and inspirational.
Breuer radically reconfigured the traditional chair, creating a refined metal framework slung with canvas that appears to float on air. While he originally called the chair Model B3, Italian manufacturer Gavina re-released it post-war and named it Wassily based on the anecdote that Breuer’s fellow Bauhaus instructor and Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky had admired and praised the chair so much that Breuer made him one for his personal quarters. Here’s what you need to know about the Model B3 or Wassily, which pushed the limits of what a chair can be.
Breuer radically reconfigured the traditional chair, creating a refined metal framework slung with canvas that appears to float on air. While he originally called the chair Model B3, Italian manufacturer Gavina re-released it post-war and named it Wassily based on the anecdote that Breuer’s fellow Bauhaus instructor and Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky had admired and praised the chair so much that Breuer made him one for his personal quarters. Here’s what you need to know about the Model B3 or Wassily, which pushed the limits of what a chair can be.
THE DESIGNER
Hungarian-born architect and furniture designer Marcel Breuer is considered one of the great talents of modernism. He graduated from the Bauhaus carpentry workshop in 1924 and after a brief stay in Paris, returned to the Bauhaus as master of the carpentry workshop until 1928.
View a restoration of a Marcel Breuer-designed house
Hungarian-born architect and furniture designer Marcel Breuer is considered one of the great talents of modernism. He graduated from the Bauhaus carpentry workshop in 1924 and after a brief stay in Paris, returned to the Bauhaus as master of the carpentry workshop until 1928.
View a restoration of a Marcel Breuer-designed house
Breuer rode an Adler bicycle to and from the Bauhaus and, inspired by the flexibility and strength of its handlebars, he experimented with tubular steel. He was greatly influenced by the constructivist theories of the De Stijl movement designers who reduced their works to the essentials of form.
Breuer combined these theories of abstraction with the material and construction principles of the bicycle handle bars to create a series of lightweight metal furnishings.
Read more about De Stijl
Breuer combined these theories of abstraction with the material and construction principles of the bicycle handle bars to create a series of lightweight metal furnishings.
Read more about De Stijl
THE CHAIR
Breuer modelled his Model B3 on the traditional overstuffed club chair, which he reduced to its elemental lines and planes. The result is a minimalist, dematerialised design in which a refined and fluid frame of tubular metal outlines the shape of the chair and supports the canvas (and leather) slings. It is so rationally designed that the body of the sitter does not even touch the steel framework.
Breuer modelled his Model B3 on the traditional overstuffed club chair, which he reduced to its elemental lines and planes. The result is a minimalist, dematerialised design in which a refined and fluid frame of tubular metal outlines the shape of the chair and supports the canvas (and leather) slings. It is so rationally designed that the body of the sitter does not even touch the steel framework.
Breuer’s chair pushed the limits of what a chair can be: all that remains of its frame is an outline in glistening steel, while the seat, back, and arms seemingly float in space. He called it his “most extreme work… the least artistic, the most logical, the least ‘cosy’ and the most mechanical.”
Like so many designs of the modernist movement, the chair has been mass-produced since the late 1920s and continuously in production since the 1950s.
Thonet first manufactured Breuer’s chair in the late 1920s in folding and non-folding versions. The early version featured black, white or wire-mesh fabric straps pulled taut with springs on the reverse side. This early iteration of the chair is the most rare, having gone out of production during World War II.
Gavina picked up the licence for the Model B3 after the war and marketed it as the Wassily with the option of fabric or black leather straps. Knoll bought Gavina in 1968 and have since produced the Wassily as part of its catalogue.
Read about Thonet chairs
Thonet first manufactured Breuer’s chair in the late 1920s in folding and non-folding versions. The early version featured black, white or wire-mesh fabric straps pulled taut with springs on the reverse side. This early iteration of the chair is the most rare, having gone out of production during World War II.
Gavina picked up the licence for the Model B3 after the war and marketed it as the Wassily with the option of fabric or black leather straps. Knoll bought Gavina in 1968 and have since produced the Wassily as part of its catalogue.
Read about Thonet chairs
THE TREND
The Wassily is modernist through and through. After the turmoil of World War I, modernist designers sought to improve lives through design. They turned away from tradition, rejected ornament and embraced abstraction as a way of reducing differences and distinctions between people. They believed in the potential of the machine and industry and focused on production rather than consumption in the faith it would create a better world.
Read about Le Corbusier
The Wassily is modernist through and through. After the turmoil of World War I, modernist designers sought to improve lives through design. They turned away from tradition, rejected ornament and embraced abstraction as a way of reducing differences and distinctions between people. They believed in the potential of the machine and industry and focused on production rather than consumption in the faith it would create a better world.
Read about Le Corbusier
The ideologies and practices of modernism resulted in furniture that had fluidity, airiness and transparency. By eliminating unnecessary form and elements, furniture consumed less space and on a practical hygiene level, was easier to clean under and around.
Ultimately, Breuer’s revolutionary use of metal, which had previously only been seen in factory settings, led furniture in a radically new direction.
Ultimately, Breuer’s revolutionary use of metal, which had previously only been seen in factory settings, led furniture in a radically new direction.
HOW TO USE IT
As an occasional chair
The Wassily’s pared-down frame means it can almost disappear visually so when used as an occasional chair it appears to take up little space. Draped with a sheepskin, as it is here, its metal and leather frame is instantly warmed and made more enticing.
As an occasional chair
The Wassily’s pared-down frame means it can almost disappear visually so when used as an occasional chair it appears to take up little space. Draped with a sheepskin, as it is here, its metal and leather frame is instantly warmed and made more enticing.
As a living room chair
Breuer’s revolutionary Wassily makes a somewhat formal armchair in the living room but still embodies a sense of lightness.
Breuer’s revolutionary Wassily makes a somewhat formal armchair in the living room but still embodies a sense of lightness.
STYLES
In practical interior design terms, the Wassily is well suited to a space that is open and light – like the chair itself. Here is a selection of environments in which the Wassily chair is right at home.
Late mid-century
The pitched roof, wall of windows and vertical lines of 1960s and ‘70s homes create an open and rectilinear space that embraces the design of the Wassily. With a palette of warm brown tones and rich woods, Wassily chairs blend beautifully with the overall decorative scheme.
In practical interior design terms, the Wassily is well suited to a space that is open and light – like the chair itself. Here is a selection of environments in which the Wassily chair is right at home.
Late mid-century
The pitched roof, wall of windows and vertical lines of 1960s and ‘70s homes create an open and rectilinear space that embraces the design of the Wassily. With a palette of warm brown tones and rich woods, Wassily chairs blend beautifully with the overall decorative scheme.
Eclectic
This contemporary yet eclectic space has a lot going on with wonderful ceramic collections, artwork, thoroughly packed bookcase and a bright red couch. The Wassily chairs add seating options without visually or physically consuming space or contributing to the well-curated busyness of the room.
This contemporary yet eclectic space has a lot going on with wonderful ceramic collections, artwork, thoroughly packed bookcase and a bright red couch. The Wassily chairs add seating options without visually or physically consuming space or contributing to the well-curated busyness of the room.
Scandinavian
While Scandinavian design is known for minimalism, wood rather than metal is usually the go-to material. However, placed in an interior that features timber accents, these white Wassily chairs are light and bright.
While Scandinavian design is known for minimalism, wood rather than metal is usually the go-to material. However, placed in an interior that features timber accents, these white Wassily chairs are light and bright.
Modernist
Borne of modernism, Wassily chairs are perfect in a modernist interior. Gleaming metal, luxe leather and abstracted form abound in this space, complemented by minimalist architecture and warmed with a kilim rug.
Borne of modernism, Wassily chairs are perfect in a modernist interior. Gleaming metal, luxe leather and abstracted form abound in this space, complemented by minimalist architecture and warmed with a kilim rug.
Modern
In contrast to ‘modernist’, which is the ideology of design established in the 1920s, ‘modern’ relates to more recent times but without being cutting-edge contemporary. This inviting space integrates modernist and modern with two Wassily chairs and a pervading sense of warmth throughout.
In contrast to ‘modernist’, which is the ideology of design established in the 1920s, ‘modern’ relates to more recent times but without being cutting-edge contemporary. This inviting space integrates modernist and modern with two Wassily chairs and a pervading sense of warmth throughout.
Contemporary
This contemporary room pushes beyond being modern with lots of interesting lines, planes and forms in its architecture and furnishings. The Wassily chairs are an ideal choice in front of the windows as they provide seating without obscuring the view.
This contemporary room pushes beyond being modern with lots of interesting lines, planes and forms in its architecture and furnishings. The Wassily chairs are an ideal choice in front of the windows as they provide seating without obscuring the view.
WHERE TO BUY
Secondhand or vintage
For a secondhand Wassily chair, contact a vintage furniture importer or store. They may have one in stock or can source one for you. They should only be sourcing the genuine Wassily produced by Knoll (or even Gavina, if you’re lucky) and the price you pay will reflect this. If the existing upholstery needs replacing, you can have it reupholstered.
Keep an eye on auction houses, auction websites and secondhand furniture sellers. If the price tag is hefty, be sure you are buying a genuine Wassily chair and not a replica.
More on Knoll furniture
Secondhand or vintage
For a secondhand Wassily chair, contact a vintage furniture importer or store. They may have one in stock or can source one for you. They should only be sourcing the genuine Wassily produced by Knoll (or even Gavina, if you’re lucky) and the price you pay will reflect this. If the existing upholstery needs replacing, you can have it reupholstered.
Keep an eye on auction houses, auction websites and secondhand furniture sellers. If the price tag is hefty, be sure you are buying a genuine Wassily chair and not a replica.
More on Knoll furniture
New
Patent designs for the Wassily have expired, however Knoll retains the trademark name and rights. Reproductions are produced around the world by other manufacturers that market the product under different names (or identify them as being a ‘replica’).
You can purchase a brand-spanking new (and genuine) Wassily chair from Knoll or a Knoll reseller.
You can purchase a replica or knock-off from furniture sellers in Australia. Replicas are not made to the same design specifications as the original, and quality, construction, proportions, and materials – among other elements – may differ.
A note on replicas
A loophole in Australia’s Intellectual Property means that it is the only western country in which classic chairs (and furniture) that have fallen out of copyright, at least in Australia, can be legally manufactured without licence. These will be labelled ‘replica’ and cost less than the genuine article. Replicas enable a greater number of people to access and enjoy good design (or the aesthetics of good design), however copying designers and manufacturers’ work does diminish the capabilities and innovation of the design community as a whole.
Patent designs for the Wassily have expired, however Knoll retains the trademark name and rights. Reproductions are produced around the world by other manufacturers that market the product under different names (or identify them as being a ‘replica’).
You can purchase a brand-spanking new (and genuine) Wassily chair from Knoll or a Knoll reseller.
You can purchase a replica or knock-off from furniture sellers in Australia. Replicas are not made to the same design specifications as the original, and quality, construction, proportions, and materials – among other elements – may differ.
A note on replicas
A loophole in Australia’s Intellectual Property means that it is the only western country in which classic chairs (and furniture) that have fallen out of copyright, at least in Australia, can be legally manufactured without licence. These will be labelled ‘replica’ and cost less than the genuine article. Replicas enable a greater number of people to access and enjoy good design (or the aesthetics of good design), however copying designers and manufacturers’ work does diminish the capabilities and innovation of the design community as a whole.
TELL US
Do you have a Wassily chair? Upload a picture to the Comments section below.
MORE
Defining Style: Contemporary vs Modern Furniture
Must-Know Chair: The Safari
6 Mid-Century Design Features That Look Better Than Ever
Do you have a Wassily chair? Upload a picture to the Comments section below.
MORE
Defining Style: Contemporary vs Modern Furniture
Must-Know Chair: The Safari
6 Mid-Century Design Features That Look Better Than Ever
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Interior Design
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
An interior designer reveals the essential rules for achieving a perfectly balanced interior
Full Story
Interior Design
Design Masterclass: A Budget-Friendly Refresh of a Small Home
See how a designer's smart use of colour and considered storage solutions transformed a drab home for AUD$50,000
Full Story
Renovating Advice
Renovation Insight: How to Choose an Interior Designer
A skilled interior designer can help bring your decor dreams to life – three experts reveal how to choose the right one
Full Story
Interior Design
10 Decorating Rules Interior Designers Swear By
By Laura Downie
Want to give your home professional polish? An expert reveals the top 10 decorating rules you need to know
Full Story
Interior Design
8 Ways to Create Flow and Cohesion With Your Interior Design
These eight tips can help you select products, finishes and styles that work together from room to room
Full Story
For Pros
Trade Shows: Why They're Important Events You Don't Want to Miss
From networking to insights into new and emerging trends, here's why trade shows should be a firm 'yes' in your calendar
Full Story
Picture Perfect
22 Curtains That Dare to Be Different
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Project Of The Week
Before & After: A Cheap & Cheerful Makeover of a 1980s Caravan
Armed with an AU$1500 budget, a Melbourne couple rolled up their sleeves and transformed a caravan in just three months
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Melbourne Houzz: A Terrace Near Ruin Gets a Second Chance
See how a derelict Victorian terrace in Melbourne was transformed into a luxurious and serene family home
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Melbourne Houzz: A Family's Dream Home, 20 Years in the Making
Timeless, sophisticated and a little bit industrial – this heritage-home renovation is nothing short of spectacular
Full Story
I have had a Breuer B3 replica (black) for 10 years in my small office where it visually, at least, seems to take up little space. I could not afford a Knoll or Gavina, but even this very comfortable replica has allowed me to celebrate the modernist heritage in my personal space.
Hi
i have a couple of these - the wear and tare (rust on back tube) suggests that they are old. Any ideas how old or winner ever they may have been built?
Thanks
Patrick