Bas van Pelt (attr.) Armchair with Woven Rush Seat and Back for My Home, The Netherlands 1940s (sold)
Bas van Pelt (attr.) Armchair with Woven Rush Seat and Back for My Home, The Netherlands 1940s (sold)
Bas van Pelt’s designs were only produced when an order was placed, which is still a tradition at “My Home Foundation” and explains the limited numbers of surviving models. This unique sled base armchair is one of these models, showing Bas van Pelt’s organic and modernist approach to design.
Chairs with such distinctive sled-shaped constructions immediately draw the eye to the distinctive base. This model however, relies not only on this design element, but also on the precisely sculpted arms and woven rush panels on the seat and backrest. While this armchair is from van Pelt’s more mature period, the design clearly shows the influence of preceding style eras including Art Deco and the Haagse School of design. The unique mix of the straight lines characterizing the latter movement and the more playful aesthetic of the former creates the overall impression of organic modernism. While made of solid wood, this armchair has an open feel to it thanks to the sleek lines. The subtle carvings on the front arms nicely contrast with the straight lines of the frame, and highlight the wonderful craftsmanship. The rush weaving on the back and seat creates textural interest, adding the appealing organic nature of the design. Thanks to the well-chosen proportions and the expert weaving technique, this armchair provides great, durable comfort.
Bas van Pelt’s progressive designs were, in many ways, ahead of his era. The Dordrecht-born designer’s furniture models, such as this sled chair, are quite rare, a few are preserved in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam for Modern Art, Contemporary Art, and Design.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some minor marks and scratches.
Dimensions:
24.4 in W x 28.54 in D x 32.48 in H
62 cm W x 72.5 cm D x 82.5 cm H
About the Designer:
Bas Van Pelt (1900 Dordrecht (NL) - 1945 Sandbostel (DE)) was a well-known Dutch interior and furniture designer, known for the clarity and quality of his designs. His works created in the 1930s and 1940s are regarded for their progressive design and quality.
While he is most well-known for his chair designs, van Pelt was also active as an interior designer. He also designed fabrics for window coverings, rugs and carpets, seating and tables, as well as lighting crafted by the best craftsmen in the Netherlands. He worked with multiple manufacturers, including his own firm, Bas van Pelt / My Home and Verto Verenigde Touwfabrikien, where his tubular metal designs were produced. He opened ‘My Home’ in 1931, just before the onset of the great crisis in the midst of major changes in the last century. In the façade of the shop, in the lively centre of The Hague, there was one large window placed so that everyone could look inside and see how things were made, and could be done differently; in his view, modern furniture at the time was light and airy, transparent, made of tubular steel frame, combined with wood. This view was very progressive for the 1930s, when the influence of The Hague School was still dominating most designers.
Unfortunately, in 1940 WWII changed the life of Bas van Pelt as well, who was on the board of the Haagse Kunstkring, where discussions about reconstruction after the war took place. Sadly, Bas van Pelt did not live to see it. He was deported because he gave people in hiding a safe place, saving many lives. While there is very limited information about his life and work, his furniture designs have become collectibles in the past decades that are also found in Dutch museums. Bas van Pelt is remembered as a progressive designer and as a man who saved lives. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Bas van Pelt was one of the key figures in early Dutch modernist design, active during the 1930s and 1940s through his firm “My Home.” His work is recognised for its clarity of construction, careful proportions, and thoughtful integration of natural materials. Van Pelt focused on creating furniture that balanced function and craftsmanship, often incorporating elements such as wicker, rattan, and solid wood to introduce both durability and texture.
This high-back chair by Bas van Pelt combines of strong verticality and refined material contrast. The solid wooden frame establishes a clear architectural outline, with the elongated tall back defining the silhouette. The back is composed by ladder-like horizontal slats that introduce a sense of rhythm while maintaining the openness of the design. The seat is crafted from woven wicker, a material valued for its strength and breathability, which adds a tactile, organic quality to the otherwise linear construction. This contrast between the smoothness of the frame and the texture of the woven surface is central to the chair’s character. The armrests are gently shaped, introducing a subtle curvature that softens the overall form. Below, the legs are connected by stretchers that reinforce the structure and ensure stability. The craftsmanship is evident in the precision of the joinery which contribute to the overall sense of durability and refinement.
This armchair shows why Bas van Pelt is widely regarded as a Dutch design icon. From the handcrafted frame to the beautiful woven element, the chair remains of hifh quality and ideally suited for everyday use.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Some chips and dents are present. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
25.20 in W x 28.35 in D x 40.95 in H; Seat height 13.39 in; Seat depth 20.08 in; Arm height 23.82 in
64 cm W x 72 cm D x 104 cm H; Seat height 34 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 60.5 cm