Stool by Dom Hans van der Laan, Netherlands, 1960s

This stool was originally designed by the Dutch Benedictine monk and architect, Dom Hans van der Laan. The appearance and construction are similar to that of the easy chairs by van der Laan, also found in our collection.
Like the chairs, this stool is in an untouched condition. It is made of pinewood and features copper nails, giving it an understated, rustic look that is characteristic of van der Laan’s designs for churches and abbeys. The stool was painted grey, including the nails, making the construction Stand out. The main focus of van der Laan’s design was functionality and rationality, which is reflected in the openings on the sides that make lifting and relocation easy.
This model is still found in the Dutch church named Sint Willibrorduskerk in Almelo, for which it was possibly designed in 1964.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.

Dimensions:
23.6 in W x 15.9 in W x 17.3 in H
60 cm W x 40.5 cm D x 44 cm H

The chairs are not included with this item

About the designer:
Dom Hans van der Laan (1904-1991) was the ninth of the eleven recorded children of Leiden architect Leo van der Laan (1864–1942). Thanks to Brother Lambertus Moonen and Hans van der Laan jr. the full biography is now known.

Dom van der Laan began his studies in architecture at the ‘Technische Hogeschool’ of delft in 1923, two years after he finished his secondary school. Architectural education in those days was generally confined to 19th century Neoclassicism and all teachers originated from before the first world war. Students in their third year of study had to make their own designs, but those of Hans van der Laan were all rejected. In the same autumn, he founded, together with some fellow-students, a study-group, the ‘Bouwkundige Studiekring’ BSK (‘Architectural Study Circle’), aiming to discover themselves the very basics of architecture, which they missed in regular teaching.

On 26 May 1929 Hans van der Laan and his fellow-novice Herman Diepen made their profession in the abbey. In 1936 father Hans was charged with the guidance in the sacristy, which he would retain till his departure to Vaals in 1968. After the war, father van der Laan was invited by the bishop of Breda to take the guidance of a working party, charged with the rebuilding of the destroyed churches in the diocese.

In 1951 the abbey of Sint-Benedictusberg in Vaals had been founded a second time by a group of monks of the Saint-Pauls abbey of Oosterhout and father Van der Laan was asked by them to design the still missing crypt and church. On 18 October 1968 father Van der Laan changed his domicile from Oosterhout to Vaals, where in 1970 he became an official member of the Community of Sint-Benedictusberg. In his new home, he also was appointed as sacristan, so that he could continue his familiar daily work and in 1973 he was elected as a member of the Council, the board under the guidance of the abbot.

Prior to his death, Van der Laan garnered worldwide acclaim for his comprehensive architectural theory, which has been translated into several languages and presents a doctrine of connections in the design of architectonic space, notably the “plastic number”. ~H.

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.