Pair of vintage Wassily armchairs by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, Italy 1960

This iconic model was designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, during his time as director of the bauhaus carpentry workshop in Dessau, Germany. He drew his inspiration from his Adler bicycle, fascinated by its design and the lightness of its tubular steel frame. Luckily, he was able to take advantage of a new technique developed by the Mannesmann company, which enabled him to produce seamless steel tubes. Innovative in terms of materials and technique, this design has endured over time thanks to a succession of editors, starting with the famous German-Austrian company Thonet, which was responsible for its production until the outbreak of the Second World War. At that time, the name was changed from Wassily to b3. It was only after the war, when the Italian company Gavina took over production, that it was given this name in reference to the abstract painter Wassily Kandinsky, who attended the same school. After hearing all the praise for his new creation, the de- signer decided to create a copy for his private quarters. In 1968, knoll international acquired Gavina. The Wassily chair became part of the catalog and is still produced today. The structure is composed of 5 round, bent and chromed steel tubes. Assembled by a screw system and held in place by leather straps, it creates a suspension effect. The base has 4 plastic glides to prevent friction with the floor. In good condition, original leather, professionally cleaned. The designer's name is embossed on the backrest. Reference : 292154