Abstract

This study intends to provide historiographical background together with documentaries on the inscription process of metal tube furniture in Chile's traditional industry led by wood during the early mid-twentieth century This twofold dimension enables to approach the study case from an extensive historiographical perspective associated to cultural history, semiology and the disciplines related to design in pursuit of new analysis tools to serve as contributions to the construction of design history in Chile. As problem background, concepts such as taste and industry are studied as probable starting points for a material and a social analysis. The furniture industry used to be constantly associated to concepts such as luxury, elegance and good taste limited by the reproduction of historical styles resulting in an ongoing situation verified until the early mid-twentieth century Then, this text compares contemporary realities regarding the furniture industry in both Germany and Chile to reveal the importance of this manufacture in the promotion of economy in Europe and our country establishing similarities and differences focused on the development of metal furniture. From subtle influences, by the late 20s, an introduction process of metallic tube furniture begins in modern imaginary It takes place by sharing -with traditional wooden furniture- pages and appearances in specialized journals until the accomplishment of a coherent project that placed metallic furniture as a clear exponent of modernity