Wooden Armchair with Upholstered Seat by Bas van Pelt, The Netherlands 1940s
















Wooden Armchair with Upholstered Seat by Bas van Pelt, The Netherlands 1940s
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Bas van Pelt was an iconic Dutch furniture designer known for his innovative pieces and style. He renamed “Firma Corn. van der Sluys” into the new “My Home” and opened new branches in different cities. His work was exclusive, a fact which explains the limited numbers of surviving models of his creations.
While Bas Van Pelt's creative work was primarily influenced by the straight lines dominated by The Hague School, this armchair is the result of his more mature design era, which was primarily dominated by natural materials and curvature. The main visual element of this piece is the backrest with eleven wooden spindles that creates an almost throne-like appearance. The spindles are set in the rich dark wood frame which creates the structure of this piece. The natural beauty of oak and its versatile grain is beautifully displayed throughout the chair, especially in the backrest. Not only this, but the upholstered seat transforms this piece into more than an average wooden chair, increasing both its aesthetic qualities and its comfort. The legs and stretchers combine straight and bent lines, creating a sculptural look that is interesting from all angles.
This armchair shows why Bas van Pelt is widely regarded as a Dutch design icon. From the handcrafted wooden frame to the numerous spindles and tapered legs, the chair showcases both the quality materials utilized and expert craftsmanship.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium fabric. 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:
28.34 in W x 29.52 in D x 50.78 in H; Seat height 18.7 in; Seat depth 21.85 in; Arm height 28.34 in
67 cm W x 75 cm D x 129 cm H; Seat height 47.5 cm; Seat depth 55.5 cm; Arm height 72 cm
About the Designer:
Bas Van Pelt (1900 Dordrecht (NL) - 1945 Sandbostel (DE) was a well-known Dutch interior and furniture designer, known for the clarity and quality of his designs. His works created in the 1930s and 1940s are regarded for their progressive design and quality.
While he is most well-known for his chair designs, van Pelt was also active as an interior designer. He also designed fabrics for window coverings, rugs and carpets, seating and tables, as well as lighting crafted by the best craftsmen in the Netherlands. He worked with multiple manufacturers, including his own firm, Bas van Pelt / My Home and Verto Verenigde Touwfabrikien, where his tubular metal designs were produced. In the window of the shop, in the lively centre of The Hague, there was one large window placed so that everyone could look inside and see how things were made, and could be done differently; in his view, modern furniture at the time was light and airy, transparent, made of tubular steel frame, combined with wood. This view was very progressive for the 1930s, when the influence of The Hague School was still dominating most designers.
Unfortunately, in 1940 WWII changed the life of Bas van Pelt as well, who was on the board of the Haagse Kunstkring, where discussions about reconstruction after the war took place. Sadly, Bas van Pelt did not live to see it. He was deported because he gave people in hiding a safe place, saving many lives. While there is very limited information about his life and work, his furniture designs have become collectibles in the past decades that are also found in Dutch museums. Bas van Pelt is remembered as a progressive designer and as a man who saved lives.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Among the collection of talented individuals who have worked for Artifort, Theo Ruth was the acclaimed Dutch furniture manufacturer’s first permanent designer. Ruth’s work significantly advanced Artifort’s laudable reputation, specifically through his designs of chairs. His most famous chair is the 1952 “Congo” model that enjoyed great success.
This pair of “Congo” chairs is representative of Ruth’s craftsmanship and talent. The model is full of exceptional features and details that make it a unique example of the creative overflow that defined mid-century modernism in The Netherlands and Europe. The flowing structure displays beautifully curved lines and rounded edges, ensuring extreme comfort and emphasizing its ergonomic design. The distinct look is the result of the brilliant pairing of materials. The wooden legs’ smooth lines stand out against the textural shearling, while also accentuating the unique look of the upholstery. The soft fibres of the lightweight, feathery shearling drape beautifully over the lounge chairs, while the darker brown colour of the wood adds depth. Mid-century European designers and cabinetmakers were very firm about two things regarding seating designs: the sitting experience must be comfortable and that the model had to look good from every single angle. The ‘Congo’ model fulfills these principles with its arm-less body and interesting, curved legs. As with most lounge chairs, this model is also built in a permanently reclined position, another lovely feature.
Today, Theo Ruth's furniture designs are considered to be important examples of mid-century modern design, and his work continues to be highly valued by collectors and design enthusiasts around the world.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in Mongolian shearling. 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:
22.04 in W x 35.43 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 19.68 in
56 cm W x 90 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 50 cm