Wassily Armchair Knoll International - QUICK SHIP

Winding lines: Wassily lounge chair by Knoll

Leading designer Marcel Breuer was an apprentice at the Bauhaus when he began experimenting with tubular steel. In it, he eventually found the ideal material to build a light-footed, transparent and elastic chair. Inspired by the frame of a bicycle and influenced by the constructivist theories of the De Stjil movement, Breuer reduced the form of the classic club chair to its elementary lines and surfaces: the Wassily armchair was born.

Typical of the Bauhaus school, it convinces with functionality, simplicity and modern design. The seating furniture is thus versatile and becomes the perfect complement for today's living and working spaces. The backward sloping seat also makes the armchair a real eye-catcher and iconic designer piece. You can also combine the Wassily armchair wonderfully with the Laccio coffee table in the small or large version to create an impressive seating landscape!

The question remains as to how the striking name came about. Breuer recounts, "[Wassily] Kandinsky, who happened to come into my studio when the first chair was brought in, said, "What's that?" He was very interested, and then the Bauhaus was also very interested. A year later I had furnished the whole Bauhaus with this furniture."

Knoll International – A belief in modern design

In 1938, Knoll International was founded by Hans and Florence Knoll, who embraced the creative genius at the Bauhaus School and the Cranbrook Academy of Art to create new types of furniture and environments for the workplace. Their approach was to combine craftsmanship with technology through the use of design. Florence Knoll also developed the idea of the modern office and pioneered the interior design profession.

Knoll has been recognized internationally for creating workplace and residential furnishings that inspire, evolve, and endure. With its thoughtful, inventive products Knoll responds to individual work styles and transcends multiple generations. Knoll's commitment to modern, sustainable design and understanding of the workplace results in a unique portfolio. Here, the latest collections sit alongside modern classics and iconic products.

For more than 80 years now Knoll has remained true to the Bauhaus design philosophy that modern furniture should complement architectural space, not compete with it. Therefore, they use modern design to connect people to their work, their lives, their world. The essence of it all: modern living and working with a contemporary approach without losing a connection to the past.

Art and industry in harmony: Marcel Breuer

A champion of modernism and protégé of Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer is equally celebrated for his achievements in architecture and furniture design. His entire body of work, both architecture and furniture, embodies the driving Bauhaus goal of reconciling art and industry. During his time at the Bauhaus, Breuer revolutionised modern interiors with his collection of tubular steel furniture - inspired by bicycle construction and made using the techniques of local plumbers. His first designs, including the Wassily, are still among the unmistakable icons of the modern furniture movement.

Breuer's attention eventually turned to architecture. After practising privately, he worked as a professor at Harvard's School of Design under Walter Gropius. Breuer was the first architect to be honoured with a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 1963, Breuer began work on perhaps his most famous architectural project: the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. Although Breuer never worked directly for Knoll, he is nonetheless an influential figure in the company's history. He was an early mentor to Florence Knoll during her time in Walter Gropius' office in the 1930s.

Material and format

The Wassily armchair is 79 cm wide, 69 cm deep and 73 cm high. The seat height is 42 cm and the armrests are at a height of 58.5 cm. The frame is made of seamlessly formed round tubular steel and has a high-gloss chrome finish. Opaque plastic glides are included in the scope of delivery and can be used as an option when used on hard floors. This protects both the chair and the floor.

For the upholstery, you can choose between canvas linen, cowhide leather and Spinneybeck Haired Hide in the following variants:

Canvas linen: in the natural colour

Cowhide: strong core leather in cream white, light brown or black

Spinneybeck Haired Hide: available in five colours. Coat is a natural material and the coat pattern is always unique

Your desired upholstery is not included? We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding offer on request!

Quick Ship programme:

When you place an order, the Wassily armchair will be made especially for you in the chosen fabric or leather colour. Depending on the fabric and leather cover and the manufacturer's order situation, the delivery time is 6 - 8 weeks. Knoll International offers the most popular version in the quick delivery programme. The delivery time here is approx. 2 weeks:

- Cowhide black

Special feature: The KnollStudio logo and the signature of the designer Marcel Breuer are embossed in the base of the chair.