Furniture People Makers
Nearly two years have passed since imm cologne 2020, the last furniture fair at which our Thonet team was able to meet and talk to you all in person. Last spring, when the world suddenly changed, we could no longer get together in the same way and our interactions with our partners and customers, which are so important to us, were put on hold. Despite the pandemic, there has been a lot going on at Thonet and we have a great deal to tell you about. And this is the reason for this magazine, which we hope will help inform and inspire you as we look to the future. We hope you enjoy reading it and look forward to receiving your feedback, good or bad!
On the occasion of the 225th anniversary of Michael Thonet’s birth, Eric Giriat has designed two illustrations for Thonet. With his trademark humour, Giriat has drawn the company founder on a cloud and also next to a long-legged version of the classic No 14 (214), making a connection to the here and now. Eric Giriat is an avowed fan of Thonet furniture: “I especially love the clear lines in Thonet furniture pieces, their simple, strong design, the savoir faire of their manufacture and the timelessness of the pieces. For me, Thonet simply makes the best chairs – they are true cult pieces.”
Ever since the Paris-born artist Eric Giriat was old enough to hold a pencil, drawing has been as natural for him as breathing. He lives and works in Paris and Berlin – and defines himself as a visual artist without borders, be it geographic borders or those surrounding style, themes and technique.
Discovered by the French fashion magazine ELLE in the late 1990s, Giriat has collaborated with renowned global brands from the media, advertising and publishing sector.
For Eric Giriat, a good drawing is a good idea with style. The artist, who adds a dash of humour and poetry to his drawings, has an unmistakable style that also manifests itself in fashion, design and scenography.