Interior Design Blog

The competition challenged people from around the world to send photos of the 214 chair with personal stories. First, second, and third place winners were chosen on 14 January in Frankenberg, Germany, home of the Thonet factory.

First prize, a trip to New York for two, went to Martin and Christa Schönherr, two architects from Berlin. They submitted "A Family Vignette," a photo of a grandfather sitting on the original number 14 chair opposite his grandson, who sits upon the child's version (see above). Judge Peter Thonet said the photo was chosen because it "communicates many of the values that are important to Thonet in a particularly beautiful and natural manner."


   
The second prize was awarded to "Still Life with Nude," a photo by Maxime Delvaux of his girlfriend with the chair, her skin imprinted with the same wicker design. The two won a trip to the Thonet factory to be involved in the production of their own chair.
 

"Reportage-style" by Marcel Kabisch took third prize. The photo depicts two 214 chairs connected by barrier tape to keep the street clear. Kabisch won a 214 chair in the style of his choosing. www.thonet.com