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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eu

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Belgium is often overlooked when thinking about mid-century design, even though some of the most defining pieces of the era were created in the country. The company, De Coene Frères, dates back to 1905, and many of Belgium’s renowned designers worked together with them. These lounge chairs are exemplary of the quality and design knowledge that the company was in possession of.

Form and function collide in this pair of exceptionally rare lounge chairs from De Coene Frères. The design of these lounge chairs is a remarkable combination of concern for comfort and materiality melded with a desire for outstanding visual quality. The frames have a one-of-a-kind shape, with a clear focus on the arms and legs that are each made of a single, bent piece of wood. The backrest is decorated with triangle-shaped cut-outs that follow the lines if the arms and legs. The sculpted look is modern and stylish at the same time, with rounded edges and smooth surfaces. While the industrial production method was extended to furniture manufacturing from the 1950s at De Coene Frères, quality in finish, however, remained central. This pair showcases these characteristics, as well as the desire to keep functionality and comfort at the core of the design. Lounge chairs in particular are expected to provide a design and level of comfort that assures relaxation. This is achieved by the slightly raised seats and bent backrests that guarantee these qualities. Adding further comfort are the upholstered seat and back cushions in a light, premium fabric with a subtle pattern.

The wooden frames provide a firm base, and the ergonomic design makes this pair exceptionally comfortable. The clear lined frames give these lounge chairs an open, and very photographical appearance. Due to the quality of the design, execution, and extreme rarity, these chairs are truly unique Belgian pieces.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches and marks on the wood. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

27.36 in W x 31.1 in D x 28.54 in H; Seat height 15-74 in

69.5 cm W x 79 cm D x 72.5 cm H; Seat height 40 cm

About the designer:

Joseph François De Coene (1875-1950) was an entrepreneur from Courtrai who made a considerable contribution to the Flemish arts and crafts. He was the oldest son of the upholsterer Adolphe De Cone and Coralie Tavernier, a painter from Ghent, Coralie. In 1905 his brother Adolf and his brothers-in-law, Arthur Deleu and Marcel Brunein joined the business, which they called ‘De Coene Frères’.

The destruction of World War I resulted in a serious pent-up demand for joinery and carpentry. De Coene Frères quickly capitalized on this opportunity. Although the quick success, ambitions of Joseph De Coene reached higher. In 1921, he went with De Win to the United States on a study tour. Back home he developed a serial production of furniture in laminated wood and participated in international exhibitions, including in Milan, Paris, Roubaix, and Brussels. The innovative furniture from their workshops received several prizes and medals! After some years the company rebranded itself to ‘Kortrijkse Kunstwerkstede Gebroeders De Coene’. Just before World War II they employed almost 3,000 men and the ‘Kunstwerkstede’ was at the top of European wooden furniture production.

The exuberant De Coene was an excellent networker. From 1922 to 1940 he opened up the doors of his house for their weekly ‘Monday Tables’. Among the regular guests were not only regional friends like Stijn Streuvels, Willem Putman or Albert Saverys, but also Herman Teirlinck, August Vermeylen, Jef van Hoof and Henry van de Velde. The latter was like a spiritual father for the ‘Kunstwerkstede’ and he could regularly be found in their factory. At this place, De Coene also received international designers: Marcel Breuer, Harry Bertoia, Mies van der Rohe, or Eero Saarinen. ~H.