The Atlas of Furniture Design

In 2019, the Vitra Design Museum is set to release the Atlas of Furniture Design, an all-encompassing encyclopedia that chronicles the evolution of modern furniture design. This comprehensive volume showcases over 1,700 objects crafted by more than 500 designers and 121 manufacturers, supported by approximately 2,800 images. These images vary from intricate object photos to historical visuals depicting interiors, patents, and brochures, along with related art and architectural works. The foundation for this atlas is the museum's own collection—a vast assembly of over 7,000 pieces, ranking among the largest of its kind. This meticulously curated book highlights significant designs from the past 230 years, covering pivotal eras in furniture history. It includes early 19th-century industrial pieces made of bentwood and metal, Art Nouveau and Secessionist creations, and works from classical modernism and postwar periods, extending to postmodern and present-day designs. The ambitious project engaged a team of more than 70 specialists, resulting in 550 detailed descriptions of notable objects. Accompanying essays delve into the social, cultural, and historical aspects of four major furniture design epochs, further supplemented by an annex with designer biographies, glossaries, and detailed infographics. The Atlas of Furniture Design stands as an invaluable asset for collectors, researchers, and specialists, and is an aesthetically pleasing item for design aficionados.