Early Utrecht Chair in Black Upholstery by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Metz & Co., 1936

Details

Description

An iconic and early example of the 'Utrecht' chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, manufactured during the late 1940's\. The … Read more An iconic and early example of the 'Utrecht' chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, manufactured during the late 1940's\. The Utrecht Chair was designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and produced by Metz & Co starting 1936. An early version from the 1940s reflects Rietveld’s focus on simple geometric forms and functional design. Being his first upholstered piece of furniture, the chair features angular armrests and a low, boxy frame, constructed with solid materials and upholstered for comfort. During this period, Metz & Co occasionally experimented with variations, resulting in subtle differences in dimensions and details.

This particular version is a rarely seen variation with extremely wide armrests. The production was interrupted during World War II but resumed afterwards. Early models from the 1940s are now considered rare and significant examples of Rietveld’s work.The chair has been professionally restored and reupholstered around 20 years ago. The fabric was replaced with a black wool by Kvadrat. The chair has been build up with the original materials such as copper springs and horsehair padding, which gives the chair an incredible durable character and great comfort. Images of the proces are available upon request.

Gerrit Thomas Rietveld (1888–1964) was a pioneering Dutch architect and furniture designer, best known for his role in the De Stijl movement and his iconic Red and Blue Chair. His designs emphasized simplicity, geometric forms, and the use of primary colors, reflecting the movement’s principles. In the 1930s, Rietveld began collaborating with the Dutch department store Metz & Co, which produced and sold several of his furniture pieces, making his modernist designs more widely accessible. This partnership allowed Rietveld to experiment with new materials and forms, leading to innovative works like the Utrecht chair. Metz & Co continued producing his designs until the mid-1970s, solidifying Rietveld’s influence on modern furniture. His work remains celebrated for its bold aesthetic and functional elegance.

Lead time
Short lead time, ready for immediate shipping

Condition
Overall in very good condition. The fabric is intact without significant signs of age. Some minor wear on the armrests and one extremely tiny mark on the seat, which is hardly noticeable. The filling on the armrests has sagged minimally. The filling, done with high end materials such as horsehair, is still in extremely good condition providing the expected comfort. We have consciously chosen to photograph all of our items in their current state to present the real original condition as completely as possible for transparency towards our clients. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
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