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

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.

Shipping:
This chair will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the item in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU.