Upholstered Armchair by Bas Van Pelt for My Home, The Netherlands 1940s

This elegant armchair by Dutch designer, Bas Van Pelt is a classically luxe model with a level of craftsmanship that’s immediately visible to any eye. The construction of this rare 1940s design is simple at its core, but thanks to the details, it is a unique representation of early Dutch modernism.

While Bas Van Pelt's creative work was primarily influenced by the 1920s 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 more curvature. While made of solid wood, this armchair has an open feel to it thanks to the airy arrangement of the arms and legs. The curved lines of the armrests are beautifully crafted and follow the raised seat’s angle. The curves nicely contrast with the straight lines of the frame, keeping it from appearing too strict. Apart from the expert woodwork, the upholstered seat and back stand out as well. The light bouclé fabric is tightly fitted around the frame, and the seat’s thick shape is an especially pleasing element that offers plenty of comfort both figuratively and literally. The overreaching backs further enhance the back’s widening shape and thus allow the individual loops of the yarn to stand out. The block legs blend seamlessly into the back and form a gentle angle. Thanks to the well-chosen proportions and the luxurious upholstery, this armchair provides great comfort. This model can be easily used as an accent chair thanks to its characteristic details, but can also complement a wide variety of interior styles with it refined and elegant style.

Bas van Pelt’s progressive designs were, in many ways, ahead of his era. The Dordrecht-born designer’s furniture models are quite rare, a few are preserved in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam for modern art, contemporary art, and design.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé 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:
24.6 in W x 24.4 in D x 37 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 23.22 in
62.5 cm W x 62 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 59 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. Furthermore, 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 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.