Bas van Pelt(attr) Armchair with Woven Rush Seat and Back, The Netherlands 1940s

Bas van Pelt’s designs were only produced when an order was placed, which is still a tradition at “My Home Foundation” and explains the limited numbers of surviving models. This unique sled base armchair is one of these models, showing Bas van Pelt’s organic and modernist approach to design.

Chairs with such distinctive sled-shaped constructions immediately draw the eye to the distinctive base. This model however, relies not only on this design element, but also on the precisely sculpted arms and woven rush panels on the seat and backrest. While this armchair is from van Pelt’s more mature period, the design clearly shows the influence of preceding style eras including Art Deco and the Haagse School of design. The unique mix of the straight lines characterizing the latter movement and the more playful aesthetic of the former creates the overall impression of organic modernism. While made of solid wood, this armchair has an open feel to it thanks to the sleek lines. The subtle carvings on the front arms nicely contrast with the straight lines of the frame, and highlight the wonderful craftsmanship. The rush weaving on the back and seat creates textural interest, adding the appealing organic nature of the design. Thanks to the well-chosen proportions and the expert weaving technique, this armchair provides great, durable comfort.

Bas van Pelt’s progressive designs were, in many ways, ahead of his era. The Dordrecht-born designer’s furniture models, such as this sled chair, 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 wood has some minor marks and scratches.

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.

Shipping:
This armchair 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.