Side Chair from Henk Lampe, The Netherlands, 1977

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Macoré Side Chair designed and produced by Henk Lampe in The Netherlands 1977. This rare and highly distinctive side chair … Read more Macoré Side Chair designed and produced by Henk Lampe in The Netherlands 1977. This rare and highly distinctive side chair is an exceptional example of late 1970s Dutch minimalism, blending a reductive formal language with an unexpectedly playful character. Designed and made by Henk Lampe in a very small production, the chair is constructed entirely from macoré plywood, a tropical hardwood veneer known for its rich, warm tone and beautifully pronounced grain. The craftsmanship reveals a deep understanding of material and structure, with each plywood component carefully laminated and glued to create the necessary strength and stability. The chair’s construction is striking in its balance between geometric rigor and gentle curves. The sharply cut, rectangular frame gives the piece a strong architectural presence, while the round seat and movable circular backrest soften its appearance and introduce a sense of lightness. A notable detail is the precise slit cut into the circular backrest, allowing the vertical support to slide into place when the back is positioned upright. This seemingly playful touch is, in fact, a clever structural solution that contributes to both function and form. Henk Lampe remains one of the lesser-known figures in Dutch design history, having produced only a few but remarkable pieces during his career. This chair exemplifies his ability to merge simplicity with ingenuity, resulting in a design that feels at once rational and poetic. Because the chair was made in a very small series, surviving examples are uncommon. The present piece remains in very good original condition, with only light, honest traces of use that speak to its age without compromising its refined appearance. The deep tone of the macoré wood and the elegant composition make it an outstanding addition to any collection focused on Dutch postwar design and craftsmanship. Literature; Design from the Netherlands, page 31. See less