Model 1401 Chair by W.H. Rietveld for Gispen

Details

Description

In 1954, model 1401 was introduced and exhibited for the first time at the 10th Milan Triennial, where it was … Read more In 1954, model 1401 was introduced and exhibited for the first time at the 10th Milan Triennial, where it was awarded a gold medal. It is a chair with a design that was unprecedentedly sleek for its time, with function largely determining form. Its beautiful iron frame and bakelite armrests immediately catch the eye, while the foam-filled cushions were a novelty at the time. The model remained in production and popular with the public for many years. In 2026, the design still looks contemporary and modern, which has rightly earned the chair the title of Design Icon. This particular example comes from the first owners, who bought the chair in the 1950s as an ultra-modern piece of furniture for their home. It was used for many years until, in 2025, the chair was in need of a complete restoration. At that point, we acquired this classic piece and restored it completely, completely renewing the upholstery with Keymer's Winner fabric in yellow, a beautiful fabric with a stunning weave. The frame was completely repainted and is now a beautiful black again. The foam rubber has also been replaced with the very best material on the market, resulting in seating comfort that is equal to or even better than the original. About the designer. Wim Rietveld (1924-1985), son of the famous architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld, received a technical education. He then went on to work as a designer of large appliances. Among other things, he worked for Servo Balans, a company that manufactured large, exclusive weighing equipment for industry. From 1950, Wim Rietveld trained as a designer at the Royal Academy in The Hague. The quality of his final exam work prompted manufacturer Willem Gispen to invite him to join the company of the same name, Gispen. At that time, the Netherlands was in the midst of reconstruction and there was a shortage of materials. Wim Rietveld worked for Gispen from 1953 to 1957. Rietveld was skilled at balancing functionality and aesthetics and devising simple but attractive production techniques.

Country of origin: Netherlands
Manufacturer: Gispen
Designer: W.H. Rietveld
Model: 1401

Height: 69 cm
Seat height: 36.5 cm
Width: 61.5 cm
Seat width: 45.5 cm
Depth: 57 cm
Seat depth: 41 cm 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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