A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship: The Bentwood Chair by Beat Frank

Furniture-making has seen many innovations over the centuries, but few are as enduring and iconic as the bentwood chair. One such exemplary piece, crafted by designer Beat Frank and produced by Winkler Holzbiegewerk, stands out for its aesthetic appeal and adherence to traditional manufacturing techniques. This blog post explores this remarkable chair’s creation, design, and significance.

Design and Craftsmanship

The bentwood chair, with its elegantly curved form and slightly reclined backrest, is a testament to the timeless appeal of traditional craftsmanship. Designed by Beat Frank from Bern and manufactured by Winkler Holzbiegewerk in Leuggern in 2021, it is made from solid, bent ash wood and measures 87 x 39 x 55.3 cm.

The process of creating this chair is meticulous. Seven strips of solid ash wood are individually steam-bent and then assembled to form the chair. Ash wood is the material of choice, known for its long fibres, hardness, and flexibility. This wood is also used in making sleds, showcasing its durability and pliability. The ecological and aesthetic considerations in using the light-coloured sapwood and the darker heartwood make each chair unique, minimizing wood waste and highlighting the material’s natural beauty.

Provenance and Acquisition

This particular bentwood chair was acquired by the Swiss National Museum in 2021 from a private collection. The chair’s journey from its private origins to a national treasure underscores its cultural and artistic value. Its inventory number is LM-180711, marking its place in the museum’s extensive collection.

Preserving Tradition in Modern Design

The bentwood chair by Beat Frank is more than just a piece of furniture; it is a work of art that celebrates traditional craftsmanship and sustainable design. Its inclusion in the Swiss National Museum’s collection highlights the importance of preserving such masterpieces for future generations.

For those interested in exploring this chair and other pieces in the collection, visit the Swiss National Museum in Zurich or browse their collection online at National Museum Collection.

Beat Frank – BIO

Beat Frank, born in 1949, is a prominent Swiss designer renowned for his innovative approach to furniture, which he views as functional sculptures. His work emphasizes the harmonious integration of form and function, often employing traditional craftsmanship techniques to create aesthetically striking and practical pieces.

In 1994, Frank was commissioned by the French Ministry of Culture to design furniture for the convent of La Tourette, a modernist masterpiece by Le Corbusier. His creations for this space reflect a deep understanding of the architectural context, blending seamlessly with the convent’s minimalist aesthetic. (Romain Morandi)

Exhibitions and Publications

Frank’s work has been showcased in various exhibitions, including a notable display at the Romain Morandi Gallery in Paris, which featured his furniture for the convent of La Tourette alongside other essential works from 1984 to 2016. (Romain Morandi)

Additionally, the publication “Beat Frank: Using Sculptures in Life” delves into his design philosophy and features numerous examples of his built objects, striking forms, and innovative techniques. (Ideabooks)

Legacy and Influence

Beat Frank’s contributions to furniture design underscore the potential for everyday objects to be functional and artistically expressive. His work invites us to reconsider the boundaries between utility and art, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness inherent in well-designed furniture.

Sources

Swiss National Museum. (n.d.). Stuhl (Sitzmöbel). https://permalink.nationalmuseum.ch/100866365

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