Wim den Boon Beech and Rush Low Stool, The Netherlands 1950s

This modernist design is made of solid beech and rush with an understated, organic look. This style of stool has been beloved for decades and many mid-century designers created their own iteration of it. While Wim den Boon’s present stool is often attributed to Charlotte Perriand, this model is the Dutch designer’s classic.

Wim den Boon was a dogmatic man who believed strongly in the transforming capacities of architecture and design. He was affected by the architecture of Le Corbusier, De Stijl and Rietveld, which is visible in most of his designs, including this low stool. The beech structure is rather simple, featuring four massive legs connected by cross stretchers. The straight lines of the stretchers counterbalance the rounded legs and the raw surface of the rush. The seat has a hand-twisted natural rush seat. The weaving forms four distinct triangles in the seat pattern, with the points of the triangles meeting in the centre. Here, the corners are not wrapped, instead the legs’ top serves as corners accentuating their roundness. The beech has a beautiful patina that complements the rush’s organicity.

Wim den Boon had most of his furniture manufactured by small furniture producers. He was an inspiring and radical designer who made no concessions and remained true to his architectural principles. After all these years, his designs are still topical and that is why we can speak of a strong example of timeless design. This stool is a great example of this, and is a classic and timeless interior item and will be a wonderful addition to every modern home.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The stool has its original rush seat.

Dimensions:
20.87 in W x 20.87 in D x 16.73 in H
40 cm W x 40 cm D x 28 cm H

About the designer:
Dutch architect Wim den Boon (1912-1968) was born in Waddinxveen, The Netherlands. He was an admirer of Gerrit Rietveld, De Stijl and the functional building of the Delft School. He was inspired by, among others; Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen and Le Corbusier.

Wim den Boon formed together with Hein Stolle and Pierre Kleylamp the movement Groep & (1945-1950). They designed furniture, often "custom-made" and had it manufactured by small furniture producers. In 1948 Group & was responsible for the interior of the international departure hall of Schiphol Airport. Den Boon became editor of 'Goed Wonen' magazine in the late 1940s.

He promoted functional design and criticized the traditional interior with all its conventions and prejudices. The best of art and technology had to go together to achieve a better society, following of Dutch arcitect H.P. Berlage’s. After his period at 'Goed Wonen', he founded the foundation 'Mens en Huis' together with Dora Mees and J.W. Jansen. Without commercial ulterior motives, this foundation organized exhibitions about furniture and design, for example in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the Hague Gemeentemuseum.

In 1950, Wim den Boon established himself as an independent interior designer in The Hague. The furniture he designed during that period was clearly influenced by Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand. From 1952, Den Boon also designed residential houses and renovations. All his designs fit in his modular system with natural measurements. Wim den Boon died in 1968.

He was an inspiring and radical designer. He made no concessions and remained true to his architectural principles. Furthermore, he left an admittedly small, but monumental oeuvre. After all these years, his designs are still topical and that is why we can speak of a strong example of timeless design.

Shipping:
This stool will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item in the 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.