On the occasion of the 200th anniversary in 2019, the development of the brand and graphic design pieces are published for the first time. The graphic design for Thonet is also placed in cultural and historical contexts. The research on design history at the archives of the furniture manufacturer Thonet resulted in this publication, which is available at the Swiss publishing company for architecture and design Niggli.

On the basis of Thonet – as a globally known company that tells a story over two centuries – an exciting story about the development and role of graphic design can be told. Contemporary history, effects of world wars, new technical possibilities and fashionable trends are reflected in the appearance. A uniform corporate design was only created in the 1980s, with elements that lasted timelessly – like many of the company's furniture. The material from the archives offers a variety of graphic expressions and styles. The design of Thonet also clearly refers to cooperations with the Bauhaus or mergers with other companies. Not only does contemporary history draw conclusions about the history of design, design also opens up historical connections.

design research, editorial design and text by Lilo Schäfer

148 × 210mm, 200 pages

Niggli-Verlag 2019