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Theo Ruth -Eugen Schmidt

Theo Ruth Daybed for Eugen Schmidt Soloform, The Netherlands 1947

Documentation

Ample Provenance

Origin

Netherlands

Period

1950-1979

Materials

beech, alpaca-wool blend

Dimensions

W.	83 in;	H.	63 in;	D.	196 in;
W.	210.82 cm;	H.	160.02 cm;	D.	497.84 cm;

Seat H.	37 in;
Seat H.	93.98 cm;

Condition

Good. In very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Item has recently been reupholstered in a premium alpaca wool blend fabric.

Creation Date

1947

Description

This eye-catching daybed was designed by Theo Ruth in 1947 and manufactured in a limited series. The key words around this model are quality, comfort and understated elegance.

The slender, slightly conical wooden legs are made from patinated beech. The legs balance out the body well, creating a light look. The elegant shape is formed by the raised back and the round, soft edges. This daybed is an exceptional piece of Dutch design that was exclusively produced by Eugen Schmidt Soloform (later Eugen Schmidt GmbH in Darmstadt) and Artifort. While many daybeds have been “inspired” by Ruth’s present design, this original model remains very limited in numbers.

This daybed has been reupholstered in a premium alpaca-wool blend fabric, which guarantees outstanding comfort and softness. The light colour of the upholstery brings out the beautiful shade and grain of the beech legs.

Condition:
In very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Item has recently been reupholstered in a premium alpaca wool blend fabric.

Dimensions:
32.67 in W x 77.16 in D x 24.80 in H; Seat height 14.56 in
83 cm W x 196 cm D x 63 cm H; Seat height 37 cm

About the Designer:
Dutch designer Theo Ruth was born in 1915 in Maastricht. He trained as a furniture designer and interior designer at the Middelbare Kunstnijverheidsschool in Maastricht (which later became the Maastricht Academy of Arts). In 1936, he joined Artifort in Maastricht, where he specialized in designing living room furniture. Just three years later, in 1939, he became head of design and development, a position he maintained until his death in 1971.

Ruth was Artifort’s first permanent designer, and had a major impact on its design legacy. His most famous pieces include the 1952 Congo Chair and the 1953 Penguin Chair, both of which were constructed from two interlocking pieces that fit together without locks or screws (the latter’s original version featured a black back and a white cushion to mimic its namesake). Theo Ruth’s designs are famous around the world as highlights of Dutch design. ~H.

Styles / Movements

Mid Century, Modern

Dealer Reference Number

20200379

Incollect Reference Number

408525