Sculptural Lounge Chair by Bas van Pelt (attr.), The Netherlands ca 1950s

This chair is full of exceptional features and details that make it a unique example of the creative overflow that defined mid-century modernism in Europe. The sculptural design is paired with the organicity of the material and various forms.

While the design is no short of exceptional solutions, they are also in service of functionality and comfort. This is a chair of extreme comfort, with multiple joinery and construction techniques. It is a little lower than the standard lounge chair, and that is exactly what provides great ergonomics and aesthetics. The seat and back form an obtuse angle which assures the perfect lounging position. The removable cushions upholstered in brown cow hide add even more comfort, while the fabric’s texture stands out nicely against the smooth wooden surfaces. The flowing structure displays beautifully curved lines and rounded edges that are broken by the straight wooden slats on the back. The perfect balance between the fluid and straight lines is typical of Bas van Pelt’s seating designs. The subtle swirl carvings in the front are playful details that further show off the high level of design and craftsmanship.

While the second half of the 20th century saw the takeover of mass production and many - now iconic - futuristic designs, this chair preserves the value and beauty of master craftsmanship and exquisite materials.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair’s cushions have been reupholstered recently in premium cow hide. 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:
25.19 in W x 313.46 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 23.81 in
64 cm W x 85 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 60.5 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. He opened ‘My Home’ in 1931, just before the onset of the great crisis in the midst of major changes in the last century. In the façade 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. ~H.

Shipping:
This lounge chair will be packed and shipped with the greatest care 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.