Armchair by Bas van Pelt, Netherlands First Half of the 20th Century
Armchair by Bas van Pelt, Netherlands First Half of the 20th Century
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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
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Bas van Pelt (1900–1945) was a Dutch furniture and interior designer whose work combined traditional craftsmanship with the principles of early modernism. While Van Pelt's creative work was primarily dominated by the Hague School, this armchair is the result of his more mature design period, characterised by natural materials, in order to create a friendly and inviting appearance that combines the warmth of solid oak with the distinctive texture of woven rush.
The construction of this model is simple at its core, but thanks to certain details, it is a playful representation of early Dutch modernism. While made of solid oak, this armchair has an open feel to it thanks to the horizontal spaces on the back that divide the three rush panels. The tall, slightly inclined backrest is framed by two straight wooden uprights, creating a strong vertical outline that contrasts with the more fluid shape of the armrests. The curved lines of the arms contrast nicely with the straight lines of the frame and clearly show wonderful craftsmanship. Each armrest extends outward in a gentle wave, giving the chair a particularly individual character. The rush weaving on the back adds textural interest, bringing the appealing roughness of nature to the design. Its closely arranged vertical strands create a warm, sandy surface, beautifully complemented by the oak's rich brown colour and the similar tone of the upholstery. The legs and stretchers are simple in their design, serving a primarily structural role and allowing the rush weaving and the wooden construction to stand out. The legs are connected by a gently curved wooden rail beneath the seat, while the rear supports continue naturally from the backrest. Thanks to the well-chosen proportions and the combination of natural materials, this armchair provides great comfort while maintaining a remarkable appearance.
Bas van Pelt's progressive designs were, in many ways, ahead of his time. The Dordrecht-born designer's furniture models are quite rare, with examples preserved in the collection of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. Furniture pieces like this easy chair stand out through their unique textures and materials, as well as their classic charm. Its generous backrest and comfortable seat make it particularly suitable for a living room, library or reading area, where the craftsmanship can be appreciated from every angle.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the item has minor marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The seat cushion has recently been reupholstered 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:
24.8 in W x 29.13 in D x 38.18 in H; Seat height 14.96 in; Seat depth 22.44 in; Arm height 22.83 in
63 cm W x 74 cm D x 97 cm H; Seat height 38 cm; Seat depth 57 cm; Arm height 58 cm