Large Brutalist Sideboard in Natural Oak by Gerhard Bartels, Belgium 1970s

This 1970s brutalist sideboard in beautiful blond oak is completely original and in mint condition. It was designed around the seventies by the Belgian designer Gerhard Bartels and shows similarities to the designs by the De Coene brothers. The pattern on the cabinet doors gives a satisfying look. Each door has eight milled rectangles that are evenly spaced. The inner margin edges are significantly smaller than the outer edges or frame. These proportions may not be noticeable at first, but they are very important for the addition of dynamics, a kind of optical illusion, as it were. Circles appear within the rectangles that have been processed in such a way that it looks as if they are being pressed through the wood. This creates a relief that in turn causes a shadow play. The amount of shadow is fully manipulable by adjusting the light shining on the cabinet. Behind the cupboard doors, we find a large amount of storage. The left case has a pair of veneered shelves and the same applies to the middle part. Naturally, the latter provides double the storage space. The right cabinet is arranged differently and has two drawers and a smaller storage area underneath. As we indicated at the beginning of this text, there is little to note about the condition of this item. The patina is fantastic and the sideboard is aesthetically flawless.