S 40 Garden Chair

Overview

The S 40 is Thonet's cantilever garden chair, credited to Mart Stam (artistic copyright). Its 1935 is the year the chairs first appeared in the Thonet catalogue, under the model name B 33 g. Thonet says it matches the classic S 43 by Mart Stam in construction and design. The range has the S 40, the S 40 F with armrests and the S 40 PA with a cushion.

Construction

The frame is weather-resistant brushed stainless steel. The seat and backrest strips are solid Iroko, an African wood that Thonet describes as dense, weather resistant and similar to teak in appearance, with a smooth, even surface. All wooden parts are oiled for protection. Thonet's online shop (German page) says the seat is made of seven wooden slats that follow the body with a slight curve and the backrest of four slats, and that black or transparent plastic glides are available.

Specifications

• Dimensions (S 40): W 45 cm x D 56 cm x H 85 cm
• Seat height / weight: 45 cm, 7 kg
• S 40 F (with armrests): armrest height 68 cm on the brochure drawing

B 33 g, 1935

Thonet's page and brochure say these garden chairs were first shown in the 1935 Thonet catalogue under the model name B 33 g, the g standing for garden. Today's S 40 follows the construction and design of Mart Stam's S 43.

Mart Stam and the cantilever

Thonet's designer text says Mart Stam began experimenting with gas pipes in 1925 and composed a chair without back legs from them, the basic idea of the cantilever chair that Thonet has produced under various model numbers ever since.

Image source: Thonet — S 40 Garden Chair · © Thonet and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy