SE 68

Design Story

Relaxed understatement meets aesthetic perfectionism: The SE 68 from Wilde + Spieth

The Design

The SE 68 proves that its creator, the German architect and designer Egon Eiermann, understood the interplay of lightness and practicality like no other. As a consistent representative of functionalism, Eiermann, when designing the SE 68, wanted to combine minimalist, elegant shapes with ergonomics and comfort: and succeeded with bravado. The combination of organically shaped plywood and a simple tubular steel frame was also highly innovative in 1950. The SE 68 is therefore one of the first chairs of this type in Germany in terms of its material.

In the intervening decades since its creation the SE 68 has achieved cult status: it is one of the most important German design classics of the post-War period and is still the most successful product from the seating furniture manufacturer Wilde + Spieth. With or without armrests and in various designs and colours the SE 68 can be used in any context. The all-purpose chair is also available in a stackable version for use in locations with high seating demand.

Production

As with all Wilde + Spieth seating the SE 68 is produced in Germany: only wood from Germany is processed, which Wilde + Spieth procures regionally from its supplier in Brakel. For every tree felled, the manufacturer also guarantees that a new tree will be planted. A further argument that Made in Germany is not only a reliable seal of quality, but also a guarantee for sustainable and regional management in times of global companies.

For Wilde + Spieth, ergonomics, tactile surfaces, natural materials and the interplay of functionality and aesthetics define the quality of a chair. The SE 68 is thus manufactured in such a way that this quality lasts for a lifetime or even for generations. With spare parts and a repair service, Wilde + Spieth also ensures that their classics can repaired not thrown away.

Wilde + Spieth also produces the SE 68 for furnishing restaurants and public areas

Two of Egon Eiermann's most famous designs: The Eiermann table and SE 68

Egon Eiermann was fascinated at an early age and greatly influenced by the great masters of modern architecture, include, for example, Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius or Mies van der Rohe. After the war, however, he developed his own style and an undogmatic, humanistic approach, above all in contrast to those role models. Eiermann did not believe that buildings should be built to last, and disagreed with many of his predecessors and contemporaries on many issues, such as the use of concrete.

Manufacturer

The history of the furniture manufacturer Wilde + Spieth dates back to 1831. At that time, the company was still a joinery with local craftsmen in Esslingen, who mainly produced roller shutters. The cooperation with Egon Eiermann and finally the production of seating furniture only came about a hundred years after the company's founding: at the end of the 1940, Egon Eiermann personally encouraged the sale of seating furniture - a decisive turning point for Wilde + Spieth, which turned out to be a fortunate twist of fate for all concerned.

In cooperation with the designer the Wilde + Spieth developed more than 30 chair models made of tubular steel and wood, many of which have become timeless design classics. A particular speciality of Wilde + Spieth has been the production of chairs for musicians for decades. The manufacturer has made an international name for itself here and can count orchestras such as the Elbphilharmonie among its customers.

In addition to series furniture, Wilde + Spieth also manufactures e.g. individual orchestral furniture