Berlin Chair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, 1970s

The relationship between the different shapes ensures a balanced composition. The careful alignment and proportions create an equilibrium, giving a sense of coherent design. Both tension and harmony create a unity. The composition is a representation of geometric bodies which correlate each other in an asymmetrical manner. The object exudes an aura. It’s not about the shape or about the material; its auratic quality comes out of its depth, giving a strong presence with an almost ritualist intensity. Not many design pieces offer that unusual quality. Iconic “Berlin chair” was designed in 1923 by Gerrit Rietveld, and manufactured by Gerard A. van de Groenekan between 1972-1974. He 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. Beside the "Red and Blue chair", this is the one of the most famous Rietveld designs. The first chair design was made for the ‘Juryfreie Kunstschau’ in Berlin and two following variations were made for the boardroom of the Rijksacademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam. The second version of the chair had a cushion and a higher backrest. This piece is made in oak wood planks and lacquered in white, black and grey colour. The armrests of the chair can be moved both to the left or right position. The composition resembles a three-dimensional puzzle with a balanced shape. Although done in warm material, it looks cold, serious and unapproachable. All parts are authentic and done in massive oak wood. The finishes have never been repainted in order to keep the value of the item. I think this piece blends well with many interior styles. As a chair with a strong character and an expressive shape, it is an uncompromising part of 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), 60. Marijke Kuper and Ida van Zijl, 'Gerrit Rietveld: The Complete Works 1888-1964' (Utrecht: Centraal Museum Utrecht, 1992), 92. Provenance: ‘Living in Design: The Michael & Gabrielle Boyd Collection’ auction, 2023.