Dutch Modern Armchair by Jan den Drijver for De Stijl, The Hague 1950s
Dutch Modern Armchair by Jan den Drijver for De Stijl, The Hague 1950s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This armchair, like its high back kin, is an early and rare piece by Dutch furniture and interior designer, Jan den Drijver, representing Dutch Modernism. Slanting, oblique lines characterize the frame, which gives this chair a distinctive shape.
Dutch mid-century furniture, such as this back chair, is defined by characteristics of simplicity and functionality and a preoccupation with geometry. This unique Dutch modern armchair has a distinctive shape with a low seat and a backrest inclined just in the right angle to offer a comfortable lounging position. The curved lines of the solid wooden frame continue in the armrests and legs, giving this chair an overall soft and open feeling. The backrest is supported by six horizontal wooden spindles, to which the tufted back cushion is tied to in a decorative manner to ensure its position. The seat features the original stretched out springs upon which the cushion sits, further guaranteeing sitting comfort.
Both the back and seat cushion has been reupholstered in a light premium fabric, complimenting the beautiful colour of the wood. Thanks to its upholstery and visually arresting design, this armchair is appealing from every angle.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium fabric.
Dimensions:
22.44 in W x 28.74 in D x 28.74 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
57 cm W x 73 cm D x 73 cm H; Seat height 43 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 The author, R. Boes wrote an unpublished article titled “An investigation into the cabinetmaker, furniture designer and interior designer Jan den Drijver”, which shows that the interest in the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.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
This chair by Danish design icon, Ib Kofod-Larsen, was designed and launched in 1958 as a writing chair to be coordinated with the equally famous model IL-01. Produced by Christensen & Larsen in Denmark, this “Elizabeth” armchair is a rare and prized classic. This model was presented at ‘The Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition at Designmuseum Danmark’ in 1958.
Furniture designer, Ib Kofod-Larsen had a background as an architect and carpenter, which is clearly visible in this model. The structure shows architectural knowledge, while the tight leather backrest and seat is perfectly fitted to the frame. The pure sculptural lines are the most characteristic of the design, especially in the armrests and the stretchers between the legs. Ib Kofod-Larsen often worked in various fine woods - including teak and rosewood in this case, and combined them with genuine leather. This combination is exceptionally stylish, and the beautiful patina of the leather adds character to this armchair.
This “Elizabeth” armchair reflects the original and classic design that characterized the Danish Modern era. The present model was created in Ib Kofod-Larsen's spirit and design approach, and has been popular ever since its introduction to the world. It shall come as no surprise then, that today this model has been relaunched by the licensed Japanese producer company, Kitani, as the “IL-07 Writing Chair 1958”.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has its original leather back and seat with marks and scratches and beautiful patina.
Dimensions:
27.55 in W x 23.62 in D x 29.33 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
70 cm W x 60 cm D x 74.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm
Literature:
Grete Jalk [ed.]: “40 Years of Danish Furniture Design”, vol. 4, p. 48–49.
About the designer:
Ib Kofod-Larsen was born in 1921 in Denmark. Kofod-Larsen was trained as a cabinetmaker with the highest honours in 1944, and later completed his education as an architect from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1948.
His first recognition as a designer came when he won the Holmegaard Glass Competition and received the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild’s annual award. These awards attracted the attention of the Danish furniture manufacturer Faarup Møbelfabrik.
During his time at Faarup, he created some of his most beautiful works, like the rosewood Model 66 sideboard, and established himself as a furniture designer. Learn more about Ib Kofod-Larsen. ~H.