Dutch Modern High Back Chairs by Jan den Drijver for De Stijl, The Hague 1950s (sold)
Dutch Modern High Back Chairs by Jan den Drijver for De Stijl, The Hague 1950s (sold)
These armchairs are early and rare pieces representing Dutch Modernism. Slanting, oblique lines characterize the frames, giving these chairs their distinctive shape. Jan den Drijver designed this model in 1948 according to historical records.
Dutch mid-century furniture, such as this pair of high back chairs, is defined by characteristics of simplicity and functionality and a preoccupation with geometry. As such, these unique Dutch modern armchairs have a distinctive shape with a low seat and a high backrest inclined just in the right angle to offer a comfortable sitting position. The curved lines of the solid wooden frames continue in the armrests and legs, giving an overall soft feeling. Each of the elongated backrests are supported by nine horizontal wooden spindles, to which the tufted back cushions are tied to in a decorative manner to ensure their positions. The seats feature stretched out springs upon which the cushions sit, further guaranteeing sitting comfort.
Both the back and seat cushions have been reupholstered in a light, premium linen fabric, complimenting the beautiful colour of the wood. Jan den Drijver designed this model for furniture store "De Stijl", which was once synonymous with the word “design” in The Hague. This model appears in the book “My Home” by Bas van Pelt dating to 1953. The chairs differ slightly in terms of shape and proportions, which is the result of the artisan manufacturing. Thanks to this, each chair is truly unique, the only thing that is always the same is den Drijver’s impeccable craftsmanship and design talent.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium linen fabric. Small scratches on the wood. The chairs differ slightly in their shapes and proportions.
Dimensions:
Chair 1
22.44 in W x 32.67 in D x 39.37 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
57 cm W x 83 cm D x 100 cm H; Seat height 44 cm
About the designer:
While Jan den Drijver (Johannes Hendrik Bastiaan den Drijver) (1903-1993) is a very well-known figure in the history of Dutch design, not a lot is known about his life from before establishing “De Stijl” in The Hague.
Although a designer of paramount importance, den Drijver remains mostly known for his chair designs for De Ster Gelderland and his own company, De Stijl. A furniture maker, furniture designer and interior designer, den Drijver still mystifies. The author, R. Boes wrote an unpublished article titled “An investigation into the cabinetmaker, furniture designer and interior designer Jan den Drijver”, which shows that the interest in the designer’s work and life is not only alive, but a subject to still ongoing research as well.
What we do know is that the store “The Stijl” was once housed at Laan van Meerdervoort 864 in The Hague between 1933-1936, which was confirmed by the RKD (Netherlands Institute for Art History) as well. The RKD confirms the address as a showroom and workshop of 'Woninginrichting De Stijl' for the years, after moving from the Thomsonlaan 99. We are excited to find out more about this outstanding Dutch designer, whose work speaks on his behalf for now. ~H.