Marcel Breuer
1902-1981
The Bauhaus Revolution
Born in Hungary and a central figure of the Bauhaus in Germany, Marcel Breuer radically transformed the history of furniture. At just 23, inspired by the structure of a bicycle handlebar, he conceived the idea of using tubular steel to create lightweight, industrially produced furniture. His genius lay in applying the principles of modern architecture to the scale of the everyday object.
The Aesthetic: Suspension and Transparency
The Breuer style is built on the pursuit of lightness. He invented the cantilever chair concept, removing the rear legs to offer a dynamic comfort and an airy silhouette. His creations favour exposed structure and the purity of geometric lines.
Materials: Chromed tubular steel, Viennese caning, thick leather and bentwood.
Icons: The ‘Wassily’ chair, the ‘Cesca’ chair (B32) and the ‘Laccio’ coffee table.
A Universal Legacy
Today, Marcel Breuer's pieces are regarded as the foundations of contemporary design. Whether the original editions of the 1920s or the prestigious reissues by Knoll or Thonet, they remain a symbol of absolute modernity. Their functional elegance lets them blend with disarming ease into every type of interior, from the most classical to the most avant-garde.
