Chair Caning Course for Thonet Chairs

Have you ever wanted to give an old Thonet chair a new lease of life? This is your opportunity to learn one of the most distinctive and highly regarded traditional crafts – hand-weaving rattan cane seats.

The course will take place on four Saturdays: 19 September, 26 September, 3 October, and 10 October 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Intermunicipal Museum Kamnik, Zaprice Castle (Muzejska pot 3, Kamnik).

For more than 170 years, the iconic Thonet chairs have been admired for their lightness, elegance, and durability. In addition to their characteristic bentwood construction, they are distinguished by their hand-woven rattan cane seats and backs—a traditional skill that is now mastered by only a small number of craftspeople.

Under the guidance of Jan Rihar, who continues the collection and craftsmanship of Jurij and Ilona Rihar from Škofja Loka, you will learn the traditional seven-step hand-caning technique. Step by step, you will master the fundamentals of chair caning. As with any traditional craft, true proficiency comes through practice, practice, and more practice.

Please bring your own Thonet chair or armchair that you would like to restore. We are happy to advise you on selecting a suitable piece, but it is important that your furniture has already been repaired and cleaned before the course begins.

Number of participants: 5–6

Course fee: €200 per participant.

The fee includes: €150 for tuition and €50 for materials and basic tools, including:

250 gr of rattan cane, 20 pegs, one straight awl, one curved awl.

The instructor will provide suitable workbenches where seat frames can be securely clamped during the course.

If you would like to participate, please register by email at info@muzejkamnik.si or call +386 1 831 7662. Registration is open until 5 September 2026.

Discover an almost forgotten traditional craft and give your chair a new life—with your own hands.