Swiss furniture maker Vitra's new documentary is all about the history of chairs - showcasing their history from 1807 up to the latest 3D printed designs of today.

 

"Chairs are important witnesses of their time," said  Rolf Fehlbaum, chairman emeritus of VITRA. "This is true regardless of whether they express the fashion of a momentary trend or represent an epochal idea. They are portraits of their users and reflections of the production methods from which they emerge.

 

"Thus we are able to perceive and comprehend an era – its social organization, its materials and technology, its aesthetic tastes – by observing its chairs."

 

The 90-minute documentary features 125 chairs from the past 200 years. A roster of designers and experts provide their commentary.

 

The documentary can be seen for free on Vitra's website here. It's filmed in German, but English subtitles are available.