Model 416 Armchairs by Wim Rietveld and Andre Cordemeyer for Gispen, 1957, Set of 2

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Pair of lounge chairs model No. 416 designed by Wim Rietveld and André Cordemeyer for Gispen, Culemborg, 1957. This rare … Read more Pair of lounge chairs model No. 416 designed by Wim Rietveld and André Cordemeyer for Gispen, Culemborg, 1957. This rare and historically significant model marks a pivotal moment in Dutch design history as the very first polyester armchair ever produced in the Netherlands. Created from a single molded polyester shell, the chair was the result of an experimental process that introduced a new material and technique to Dutch furniture production. Its success heralded a new era of modern industrial design in the postwar period, combining sculptural form with lightweight construction and technical innovation. The seat is supported by a light grey tubular steel frame that perfectly complements the dark grey shell. Rubber shock mounts connect the shell to the frame, ensuring both flexibility and comfort while accentuating the chair’s floating appearance. The contrast between the matte grey base and the richly textured, fiber-revealing polyester surface creates a refined visual tension, emphasizing both structure and material honesty.

The No. 416 is an archetype of Dutch functionalism, reflecting the rational yet human-centered design philosophy that Wim Rietveld, son of the renowned architect Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, shared with André Cordemeyer. Their collaboration at Gispen introduced a new aesthetic language to the company’s repertoire, one rooted in simplicity, material integrity, and mass production potential. This pair, in its rare dark grey color and fully authentic condition, exemplifies the originality and innovation of postwar Dutch design. Perfectly matched and remarkably well-preserved, these chairs stand as a testament to Gispen’s forward-thinking spirit and the enduring vision of two of the Netherlands’ most influential designers.

Literature: Barbara Laan and André Koch, collectie Gispen, meubels, lampen en archivalia in het NAi, 1916-1980, Rotterdam, 1996. Page 51. Wim Rietveld, industrieel ontwerper, Ed van Hinte, 1996 , Publisher ‘010’ Rotterdam , 1996. Page 70. 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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