VINTAGE S33 CHAIR IN COGNAC LEATHER DESIGNED BY MART STAM (1927)
Cubic form, clear design, fine proportions, and flexing movement: The development of the perfected cantilever chairs S 33 and S 34, among the first of their kind, today combines zeitgeist and a sense of tradition. “Why four legs if two will suffice?”, wrote artist Kurt Schwitters in 1927 after seeing the first cantilever chairs in furniture history. The two chairs S 33 and S 34 caused a sensation at the Werkbund exhibit at the Weissenhof Estate in Stuttgart. Starting in 1925, Mart Stam experimented with small diameter gas pipes, and at first he connected them with standard pipe fittings as used by plumbers. As a further development, Stam created cantilevered chairs that no longer stood on four legs, and it was a construction principle that became an important building block in the history of modern furniture design with its formal restraint. His cantilever chairs S 33 and S 34 were more than matter-of-fact designed interior design objects; they were part of the overall revolutionary concept of a new attitude towards architecture and life.
This particular vintage example of the S33 chair, whilst does not display an makers markings is believed to be produced by Thonet in the 1980s and displays plenty of lovely patina across the Cognac leather. Whilst it is still a sturdy example, it does demonstrate some leather separation underneath the seat section.
A perfect piece as an occasional chair in any space or for use as a stylish desk chair.
Viewing at our new store in Surry Hills.
Cubic form, clear design, fine proportions, and flexing movement: The development of the perfected cantilever chairs S 33 and S 34, among the first of their kind, today combines zeitgeist and a sense of tradition. “Why four legs if two will suffice?”, wrote artist Kurt Schwitters in 1927 after seeing the first cantilever chairs in furniture history. The two chairs S 33 and S 34 caused a sensation at the Werkbund exhibit at the Weissenhof Estate in Stuttgart. Starting in 1925, Mart Stam experimented with small diameter gas pipes, and at first he connected them with standard pipe fittings as used by plumbers. As a further development, Stam created cantilevered chairs that no longer stood on four legs, and it was a construction principle that became an important building block in the history of modern furniture design with its formal restraint. His cantilever chairs S 33 and S 34 were more than matter-of-fact designed interior design objects; they were part of the overall revolutionary concept of a new attitude towards architecture and life.
This particular vintage example of the S33 chair, whilst does not display an makers markings is believed to be produced by Thonet in the 1980s and displays plenty of lovely patina across the Cognac leather. Whilst it is still a sturdy example, it does demonstrate some leather separation underneath the seat section.
A perfect piece as an occasional chair in any space or for use as a stylish desk chair.
Viewing at our new store in Surry Hills.
Cubic form, clear design, fine proportions, and flexing movement: The development of the perfected cantilever chairs S 33 and S 34, among the first of their kind, today combines zeitgeist and a sense of tradition. “Why four legs if two will suffice?”, wrote artist Kurt Schwitters in 1927 after seeing the first cantilever chairs in furniture history. The two chairs S 33 and S 34 caused a sensation at the Werkbund exhibit at the Weissenhof Estate in Stuttgart. Starting in 1925, Mart Stam experimented with small diameter gas pipes, and at first he connected them with standard pipe fittings as used by plumbers. As a further development, Stam created cantilevered chairs that no longer stood on four legs, and it was a construction principle that became an important building block in the history of modern furniture design with its formal restraint. His cantilever chairs S 33 and S 34 were more than matter-of-fact designed interior design objects; they were part of the overall revolutionary concept of a new attitude towards architecture and life.
This particular vintage example of the S33 chair, whilst does not display an makers markings is believed to be produced by Thonet in the 1980s and displays plenty of lovely patina across the Cognac leather. Whilst it is still a sturdy example, it does demonstrate some leather separation underneath the seat section.
A perfect piece as an occasional chair in any space or for use as a stylish desk chair.
Viewing at our new store in Surry Hills.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Mart Stam (August 5, 1899 – February 21, 1986) was a Dutch architect and furniture designer celebrated for his pivotal role in modernist architecture and design. Born in Purmerend, Netherlands, Stam trained as a carpenter and later studied at the Rijksnormaalschool voor Tekenonderwijs in Amsterdam.
Stam gained prominence in the 1920s after winning a competition for urban planning in The Hague and moving to Berlin, where he collaborated with notable architects like Max Taut. He became a key figure in the New Objectivity movement, emphasizing functionalism and simplicity.
One of his most significant contributions is the S33 cantilever chair, designed in 1926. This innovative chair features a bent tubular steel frame that eliminates the need for traditional legs, showcasing a revolutionary approach to furniture design. First presented at the Weissenhof Estate exhibition in 1927, the S33 became an iconic piece of modernist furniture.
Throughout his career, Stam faced challenges due to his political views, particularly after World War II. He briefly lived in East Germany before returning to Switzerland, where he remained until his death. His legacy endures through his influential designs and contributions to modern architecture, with his work continuing to inspire contemporary designers today.
