Gerrit Rietveld, Red and Blue Chair / Authentic Chair

Originally designed in 1917, this chair is a true representation and one of the first pieces of De Stijl movement. Founded in the Netherlands as a reaction against the horrors of WWI, its visual language consisted of pure, geometrical forms and primary colours. As forms and shapes tended to establish balance and harmony in a world of chaos, this piece is a manifestation of the idea. Some of the first chairs were made for the “Rietveld Schröder House” in Utrecht, Netherlands, also designed by him in 1924. Later, it was converted into a museum and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was made by Rietveld’s craftsmen G.A.v.d. Groenekan and De Bilt, who worked under his direction from 1917 to 1951. Gerard A. van de Groenekan began working in Gerrit Rietveld’s workshop in Utrecht in 1917 at the age of fourteen. In 1924, Rietveld decided to concentrate on architecture and left furniture production in the hands of van de Groenekan, who then continued to build many of Rietveld’s models, including older ones, under his own name. Van de Groenekan played a decisive role in the development of many designs.

The frame is an abstract, grid-like spatial structure built of black wood beams. Red and blue panels are two-dimensional elements which are mounted within it. The rigid structure is rather expressive than pragmatic. All parts are authentic and in their original condition. They have never been repainted, so the value of the piece is preserved. This chair is one of only a few authentic ones that still exist.

I think this piece blends well with many interior styles. By itself, this masterpiece is an eye-catcher, enriching each interior.

P! Galerie’s selection is mainly focused on design masterpieces between 1918 and 1970. Apart from rare French mid-century modern design artefacts by Pierre Jeanneret, Jean Prouvé, Le Corbusier, and Charlotte Perriand, our offer includes masterpieces of historic importance and value by Gerrit Rietveld, Lina Bo Bardi, Marcel Breuer, Oscar Niemeyer, or, for example, Eileen Gray. Following all ethical and juridical requirements, all items from our carefully curated collection come with a certificate of authenticity. We try to preserve as much of patina as possible during the process of restoration, as it defines these historic pieces. Not only do we cooperate with museums and offer auction houses our services and expert opinion, we also look forward to welcoming you as a private collector and connoisseur.

Literature:

Peter Voge, ‘The Complete Rietveld Furniture’ (Rotterdam: 010 Uitgeverij, 1993), 58-59.

Marijke Kuper and Ida van Zijl, ‘Gerrit Rietveld: The Complete Works 1888-1964′ (Utrecht: Centraal Museum Utrecht, 1992), 74-76.

Provenance: ‘Design’ auction, 2022.