Modern Icons: Marcel Breuer's B32 Chair
Now known as the Cesca Chair, this 1928 combination of steel tubes and caning has staying power
You've probably seen this chair before. I have a dim memory of some around the house during my early childhood in the '70s; I've seen imitations advertised in newspapers and I certainly notice these chairs around Houzz. Official versions are known today as the Cesca Chair, and they credit Marcel Breuer as the original designer in 1928.
Their structure is crafted of tubular steel, a material that fascinated Breuer. He was inspired by the way it was used in bicycle design and the first result was his Wassily Chair in 1925. In 1928 the Cesca Chair took the tubular steel into a new and exciting cantilevered shape and combined it with a caned seat and back.
Their structure is crafted of tubular steel, a material that fascinated Breuer. He was inspired by the way it was used in bicycle design and the first result was his Wassily Chair in 1925. In 1928 the Cesca Chair took the tubular steel into a new and exciting cantilevered shape and combined it with a caned seat and back.
Cesca Cane Chair by Marcel Breuer
In a legal battle in the 1920s, architect Mart Stam received credit for the original idea of this chair. That is why Breuer never patented it, and why you can find imitations for under $100. Breuer's chair was originally produced by Thonet, then by Italian company Gavina (they gave it the name "Cesca" after Breuer's daughter Francesca), and today is produced by Knoll, who bought Gavina.
The modernist chair looks perfectly at home in this more traditional room, showing its versatility. Even though the form and steel tubular structure are modern, the traditional caning is why it works so well here.
This room has such a nice blend of old and new. A well-worn rug, solid contemporary table, modern Eames shell chair and modern floor lamp and a set of Cesca chairs create a wonderful mix of warm accents against white walls.
These armless versions of the chair tuck right under the table.
These armless versions of the chair tuck right under the table.
The chair is available in a clear lacquer or ebonized finish. The dark wood trim on these plays off the rug's zebra stripes. You can also see here how the armchair version works well as an occasional chair in a living room.
Cescas are right at home in this contemporary kitchen; we've seen above how well the caning works with wood tables, but here's an example of how well the tubular steel legs work with contemporary glass and steel.
Although this Cesca is a bit off in the distance in this shot, you can see how powerful its cantilevered silhouette is.
See the rest of this home
See the rest of this home
This vintage beauty combines the original caned back and a seat upholstered in a retro-pop floral.
Knoll Upholstered Cesca Chair
The chair now comes in an upholstered version. These chairs have a swanky Mad Men office vibe.
More:
Modern Icons: Marcel Breuer's Wassily Chair
Totally Tubular Chairs
Timeless Design: Thonet's Bistro Chair
More:
Modern Icons: Marcel Breuer's Wassily Chair
Totally Tubular Chairs
Timeless Design: Thonet's Bistro Chair