High Chair by Jan de Jong, 1967

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Description

Designed by Jan de Jong for the Raadhuis Budel in the Netherlands in 1967, this rare high chair is part … Read more Designed by Jan de Jong for the Raadhuis Budel in the Netherlands in 1967, this rare high chair is part of the original interior of the Budel town hall. The building was designed and decorated entirely under the direction of Jan de Jong, one of the most prolific figures of the Bossche School. While most of the furniture was discarded during the renovation of 1997, a small number of residents were able to get a few pieces before going in the waste containers, preserving an important part of architectural history. The chair is constructed in ash wood and features a dark brown-green lacquered surface that changes subtly with the light. Its clean geometry is accented with rows of copper nails, precisely placed to reveal its structural rhythm. Unlike the open-armrest version, this model has closed armrests with integrated circular cut-out handles, giving it a more enclosed and sculptural silhouette. The seat and armrests are upholstered in original olive green leatherette, which remains in beautiful vintage condition and adds a tactile layer to the piece’s disciplined form. The chair rests on a black painted solid metal frame, adding visual balance and stability. The proportions of the chair are based entirely on the Plastic Number, the proportional system developed by Dom Hans van der Laan. This system ensured that every piece of furniture was intrinsically connected to the architecture it belonged to. The Budel town hall, designed in 1962 and completed in 1967, remains a landmark example of Bossche School architecture, even though its original interior was largely lost during renovation. Dom Hans van der Laan provided the intellectual foundation of the movement, developing its proportional system and spatial logic, while Jan de Jong became its most accomplished executor. His impressive oeuvre includes dozens of projects ranging from complete buildings to interior spaces, renovations and advisory roles. Together with Wim van Hoof, who developed refined color schemes for their projects, they shaped a distinct architectural language. This chair stands as a rare and eloquent witness to that collaboration. Provenance; Raadhuis Budel, council chamber, Netherlands 1967. Original photo of the chairs visible on the 7th image. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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