Bench, Model No. 1511 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet

Josef Hoffmann (1870–1956) for Thonet (AUT)
Bench, Model No. 1511
circa 1907–1910

Designed as the companion bench to the celebrated Model No. 511 chair, Model No. 1511 perfectly embodies the dialogue between the refined aesthetics of the Vienna Secession and Thonet’s unrivalled expertise in bentwood furniture production.

Its backrest, distinguished by slender vertical slats framed by three circular perforations, reflects Hoffmann’s characteristic geometric vocabulary. The harmonious proportions and restrained ornamentation create a composition of remarkable elegance, balancing structural clarity with visual lightness.

Crafted in stained bent beechwood with its original shaped solid wooden seat, the bench showcases the exceptional craftsmanship that established Thonet as the leading innovator in bentwood furniture. The sculpted seat reinforces the architectural purity of the design while beautifully complementing the graceful curves of the bentwood frame.

Combining functionality with refined aesthetics, Model No. 1511 illustrates Hoffmann’s remarkable ability to transform everyday furniture into a timeless expression of modern design. More than a century after its creation, it remains one of the finest examples of the fruitful collaboration between Josef Hoffmann and Thonet and an enduring icon of Austrian decorative arts.