Happy 200 Years Dear Thonet

Lilo Schäfer’s research project on the graphic identity of the Thonet brand throughout its 200-year history began as a project at Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences. The goal was to publish the wealth of collected material, including historical catalogs and printed matter.

“The Thonet Brand” illustrates the company’s graphic design for the first time and traces the evolution of its visual identity over nearly 200 years in relation to cultural and political changes. The book’s final chapter ties back to a central question posed in the introductory text: “Thonet Today?” Designers and product designers sent greetings on the occasion of Thonet’s upcoming 200th anniversary, thereby commenting on the company’s significance in today’s world. 

Rolf Fehlbaum, Dr. Klaus Klemp, Laurent Lacour, Nils Holger Moormann, Fidel Peugeot, Erik Spiekermann, Andreas Uebele, and Peter Zizka contributed greetings in graphic or textual form. These greetings round out the work appropriately.

The design “Happy 200 Years, Dear Thonet. Now Fidel Makes 200 Chairs” was subsequently produced as a silk screen print (90×90cm) by TIPREGO in a limited edition featuring four color variations. 

Photo by Christoph Gysin