4
The technique
of wood bending
The technique of wood bending is a very
ancient technique existing in the craftsman-
ship of different civilizations, but remained in
the corners for a long time due to a limited
advantage in productivity.
the technique
The intuition of Michael Thonet took the moves from the
observation that fresh wood is more flexible than dry wood :
Starting from this consideration, Thonet and some of his con-
temporaries tested the bending of the wood sheets packets,
dipped in boiling glue and then dried into rigid forms.
This solution, however, did not guarantee the strength of the
product, because of the precarious nature of the adhesive.
To overcome this problem, Thonet tried to work only on the
physical properties of the wood, by excluding all the glue from
his procedures, in order to recover a considerable flexibility
of the material – even after aging – by increasing the smooth-
ness between the fibers by placing them in highly humid
environment.
the patent
In 1842, Michael Thonet patented the process that made him
famous throughout the world: the wood strips (beech, by far
the favorite for its long, regular and knotless fiber) are turned,
placed in an autoclave to absorb moisture, bent by force and
fixed in metal forms, and finally dried; the finishing of the
pieces was followed by the assembly of the “Vienna straw”,
another element that became characteristic for the company.
A real industrial process that went hand in hand with the pro-
gressive elimination of ornaments and joints, in favour of a
rigorous line and careful attention to the simplification of the
joining elements.
Formal elegance, solidity and lightness have determined the
success of the company that in a few years started produc-
tion sites all over the world.A unique production process that
has its roots in a history rich in suggestions and that is now
renewed in the high quality of materials that Gebrüder Thonet
Vienna chooses to make its products, characterized by valu-
able elements that unite them with high craftsmanship.The
woods, selected for their strength and versatility, are com-
bined with fabrics that enrich the range of colors proposed by
the collection with precious nuances.
