Bas Van Pelt Easy Chair in Wicker for My Home, The Netherlands Mid-20th Century (sold)


















Bas Van Pelt Easy Chair in Wicker for My Home, The Netherlands Mid-20th Century (sold)
This easy chair in solid wood and wicker by Dutch designer, Bas Van Pelt, is a rare model with plenty of visual delights. The construction of this design is simple at its core, but thanks to its details, it is a playful representation of early Dutch modernism.
Bas van Pelt’s progressive designs were, in many ways, ahead of his era. The Dordrecht-born designer’s furniture models are quite rare, a few being preserved in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam for modern art, contemporary art, and design. While made of solid wood, this chair has an open feel to it thanks to the grid like pattern on the back. Durable yet flexible, the woven wicker fulfils both an aesthetic and functional purpose, offering support for the sitter, while ensuring comfort through its flexibility. The shade of the wood further highlights the sandy colour of the wicker and the earthy tone of the upholstery, creating visual dynamism. The curved lines of the armrests nicely contrast with the straight contour of the frame, and show wonderful craftsmanship. The legs are much simpler in their design, serving a primarily structural role, letting the weaving and the arms stand out. Unlike designs from outside the continent, Van Pelt’s products weren’t flashy, but instead focused on being well-made and to fit a warm, comfortable and welcoming home. As this chair exemplifies, blending functionality, good quality natural materials and organic colours with excellent craftsmanship was the key to the success of this design period.
Today, Bas Van Pelt’s designs are highly sought after by collectors and are considered important examples of mid-century modern design. Furniture pieces like this easy chair stand out through unique textures and materials, as well as through its classic charm.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
25.19 in W x 26.57 in D x 36.22 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Seat depth 18.89 cm; Arm height 23.22 in
64 cm W x 67.5 cm D x 92 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 48 cm; Arm height 59 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Bas van Pelt holds a distinctive place in Dutch design history; he is celebrated primarily for his furniture, yet was equally active as an interior designer whose broader spatial vision informed his work. Although his early designs reflected the straight lines associated with The Hague School of the 1920s, this armchair reflects a more assured phase of his career that coincides with the broader development of Dutch modernism. Here, geometric lines soften into gentle curves with a rich use of materials.
The weaved backrest pairs beautifully with the smooth wooden frame, curving to embrace the sitter. It is coupled with a sage green upholstered seat, creating an interplay of line and texture. The seat emphasises an added layer of comfort while still complementing the natural materials used for its construction. The armrests, with their subtle and flowing curves, are carefully shaped to give the chair a sense of movement - juxtaposed with the straight lines and right angles that make up the frame. The overall impression is that of a visually interesting piece full of contrasts, while simultaneously enhancing the comfort of the user at the crucial points of the back, arms, and seat. The legs remain simple in design, serving a primarily structural role, letting the back and seat stand out.
Bas van Pelt’s furniture models are quite rare, with a few preserved in the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam for modern art, contemporary art, and design. His progressive designs were, in many ways, ahead of his time. What makes this armchair especially compelling is the combination of materials and techniques that come together harmoniously to make a visually striking piece.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature of the wood, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.52 in W x 24.01 in D x 31.29 in H; Seat height 17.12 in; Seat depth 18.11 in; Arm height 24.21 in
75 cm W x 61 cm D x 79.5 cm H; Seat height 43.5 cm; Seat depth 46 cm; Arm height 61.5 cm