Isokon Long Chair

Marcel Breuer. Long Chair, ca. 1935-1936

Isokon Long Chair is a significant piece of furniture design, emblematic of the Modernist movement in architecture and design. Created in 1936 by the Hungarian designer Marcel Breuer, the Isokon Long Chair is renowned for its innovative use of materials and its role in the evolution of modern furniture design.

Design and History

The Isokon Long Chair was designed while Marcel Breuer was living in the United Kingdom, having left Germany due to the rise of the Nazi Party. Breuer was a former student and later a master at the Bauhaus, a seminal school in modern architecture and design. The chair was manufactured by the Isokon Furniture Company, which was founded in 1931 by Jack Pritchard and Wells Coates. The company was a pioneer in the use of new materials and manufacturing techniques and was instrumental in bringing modernist design ideas to Britain.

The Long Chair's design is characterized by its minimalist aesthetic, ergonomic shape, and the use of plywood as its primary material. The chair's curves were designed to fit the human body, providing comfort without the need for extensive cushioning. This was a radical departure from traditional furniture design, which relied heavily on upholstery for comfort. The use of plywood allowed for the chair's sleek, continuous lines and demonstrated the material's potential in furniture design.

Impact and Legacy

The Isokon Long Chair had a significant impact on the design world, showcasing the possibilities of new materials and manufacturing processes in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing furniture. It is considered one of the first examples of modernist furniture to be produced in Britain and helped to establish the country as a center for innovative design.

The chair's influence extends beyond its immediate impact on furniture design. It is seen as a symbol of the modernist movement's ideals, emphasizing function, simplicity, and the use of modern materials. The Isokon Long Chair has been featured in numerous exhibitions on modern design and is part of the collections of several major museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Preservation and Continuation

Today, the Isokon Long Chair is still in production, testament to its enduring design and appeal. The Isokon Plus company, the successor to the original Isokon Furniture Company, continues to produce the chair according to Breuer's original specifications. This ongoing production ensures that the Long Chair remains not only a historical piece but also a living part of contemporary design culture.

The chair's continued popularity underscores the timeless nature of good design and the lasting influence of the modernist movement. It remains a sought-after piece for design enthusiasts and collectors, symbolizing the fusion of form and function that defines modernist principles.