Vintage Desk by Nico Van Der Laan for Pauluskerk Dongen, 1967

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A rare writing table designed by Nico van der Laan for the Pauluskerk in Dongen, built between 1965 and 1967 … Read more A rare writing table designed by Nico van der Laan for the Pauluskerk in Dongen, built between 1965 and 1967 under the direction of his brother, architect Dom Hans van der Laan. The Pauluskerk represents one of the purest manifestations of the principles of the Bossche School, where architecture and interior were conceived as one harmonious whole. Every piece of furniture within the church was designed by Nico van der Laan himself, ensuring that the sacred space was furnished in absolute unity of proportion and form. This table is a direct product of that vision. The table is executed in pine wood, finished in a striking green lacquer that has developed a rich, layered patina through decades of use within the church. Its surface shows the subtle traces of age, yet retains its integrity and depth of color, lending the piece a profound sense of authenticity. The construction is refined with copper nails, a signature element in Bossche School furniture, and the practical hand-cut openings on the sides allow the piece to be easily lifted while serving as an elegant visual accent. As with all of Dom Hans van der Laan’s designs, the table is composed according to the principles of the Plastic Number, the proportional system he developed to achieve harmony between objects and their architectural surroundings. This writing table embodies that rigorous yet poetic design language, simultaneously austere and humane. The Pauluskerk remained in use until the early 2000s, when parts of its original furnishing were dispersed. The famous metal-framed benches by Van der Laan, together with this table, originate from the same interior, securing its provenance as part of one of the most complete and significant Bossche School ensembles ever realized. Provenance: Pauluskerk, Dongen, 1967 See less