Gerrit Thomas Rietveld Utrecht chair Metz & Co 1950

Gerrit Thomas Rietveld

Gerrit Thomas Rietveld
Utrecht 1888 – 1964
Architect, furniture designer

One of the few comfortable chairs designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Metz en Co, 1935. This chair is special cause it's the first upholstered chair designed by Rietveld. This was executed by Metz & Co, the wooden frame was built by Gerard van den Groenekan and the upholstery was done by Dhr. Staphorst who worked for Metz and Co from the 1950s to the 1970s. This chair was produced sold by Metz & Co from 1935 to 1975. This example was bought in the beginning of the 1950s and has original red color felt fabric. We renewed the foam on the inside but maintained the original upholstery. So it’s comfortable, strong and firm to use again but we preserved the authenticity by keeping the fabric original. It has some marks, stains and patina but I prefer this over new upholstery as this is a museum piece!

Provenance: Purchased at Metz & Co in the beginning of the 1950’s, previous owner inherited this chair from her Aunt who lived in Amsterdam very close to the Metz and Co store at de Keizersgracht in that time. Because they knew this was a special piece of furniture, 'a real Rietveld' is what they said, they always kept it original as it is now.