Utrecht Chair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Metz & Co, Netherlands, 1965

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Utrecht Lounge Chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and manufactured by Metz & Co in The Netherlands 1935. This exceptional … Read more Utrecht Lounge Chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and manufactured by Metz & Co in The Netherlands 1935. This exceptional and historically important lounge chair represents a pivotal moment in Rietveld’s career, as it was his first upholstered furniture design. Introduced in 1935, it signified a clear shift away from his earlier wooden constructions toward a more comfortable and livable form of modernism. The earliest examples of this design featured wooden frames constructed by Gerard van de Groenekan, Rietveld’s trusted carpenter and close collaborator. After the war, however, Metz & Co took the production of the interior into their own hands, for unknown reasons during the later production years. This particular example has been meticulously reupholstered in chocolate brown boat canvas, a historically accurate material with a flat and tight weave, commonly used for these chairs in the 1930s and 1940s. The fabric accentuates the sharp, straight lines characteristic of Rietveld’s architectural language, giving the piece both clarity and a subtle warmth. The restrained palette and pure geometry make it an outstanding expression of his structural honesty and functional elegance. Metz & Co produced and sold this chair from 1935 until the war years interrupted production, resuming afterward and continuing until approximately 1975. In the 1970s, production rights for Rietvelds furniture were acquired by Cassina, who were required to modify every angle and measurement of the original, resulting in a version distinctly different from Rietveld’s authentic design. In 1953, a Metz & Co advertisement in the magazine Goed Wonen proudly announced the chair’s return, reaffirming its cultural and design significance at the time. This specific chair originates from the estate of Peter Vöge, an influential Dutch writer and design historian known for his authoritative works on Dutch furniture, including Complete Rietveld Furniture. It remained in private hands until recently, preserving its exceptional provenance. The interior structure has been carefully conserved, with minimal restoration to ensure durability while respecting its historical integrity. The underside has been intentionally left open, allowing the original framework to remain visible, providing a rare and honest look at its construction. This chair stands as a landmark in Rietveld’s oeuvre: a design that merges architectural clarity with tactile comfort. Both historically significant and entirely functional, it is a highly collectible work that embodies a key moment in 20th-century Dutch design. Literature; The complete Rietveld furniture, Peter Vöge, 010 publishers. Page 96-97. As with all our upholstered pieces, these can be custom reupholstered to suit your preferences. Consult with our experienced upholstery department for a personalized quote on customizing the item of your choice. We can work with fabric you provide or order specific materials to meet your needs. Throughout the reupholstery process, we prioritize preserving the originality of the piece to ensure it retains its value and is ready for many more years of use. 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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