Double Armchair, Thonet, 1890s

A rare folding double armchair attributed to Thonet, produced around the 1890s and originally used in the National Theatre in Prague. This exceptional piece represents the height of late 19th-century bentwood craftsmanship and design innovation.

Constructed entirely from bent beechwood, the chair showcases Thonet’s pioneering steam-bending technique, allowing for elegant curves and structural lightness. The double-seat configuration was designed for public interiors such as theatres and concert halls, emphasizing comfort, practicality, and refined form.

The piece remains in original, undamaged condition, retaining its historical integrity and natural patina. A museum-quality example of Austro-Hungarian furniture craftsmanship and a rare survivor from the early history of industrial design.

Specifications
Designer: Thonet
Manufacturer: Thonet
Period: 1890s
Style: Historicism / Late 19th-Century Bentwood Design
Material: Steam-bent beechwood
Color: Natural beechwood
Condition:  Excellent vintage condition; light traces of age consistent with use
Estimated weight: approx. 12–15 kg

Dimensions
Height: 88 cm
Width: 95 cm
Seat height: 45 cm
Depth: 55 cm"