Gerrit Thomas Rietveld

Alphonso "Fons" Johannes Seyler (the artist's grandson), acquired directly from Gerard van de Groenekan, The Netherlands, 1960
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Gerrit Th. Rietveld, Galerie VIVID, Rotterdam, April 7-May 26, 2013

Clement Meadmore, The Modern Chair: Classics in Production, New York, 1975, pp. 76-79 (for the chair)
Daniele Baroni, The Furniture of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, New York, 1977, p. 139 (for a period photograph of a table and chair set in a Metz & Co. exhibition in Amsterdam, 1940)
Gerrit Rietveld: A Centary Exhibition, Craftsman and Visionary, exh. cat., Barry Friedman Ltd., New York, 1988, p. 51 (for the chair) 
Martin Eidelberg, ed., Design 1935-1965: What Modern Was, Montreal, 1991, p. 316 (for the chair)
Marijke Küper and Ida van Zijl, Gerrit Th. Rietveld, Utrecht, 1992, p. 202 (for the above period photograph)
Peter Vöge, The Complete Rietveld Furniture, Rotterdam, 1993, pp. 86-87 (for the table)
Ida van Zijl, Gerrit Rietveld, London, 2010, p. 103 (for the above period photograph)

Overall very good condition. The table with light surface scratches, some minor dents mostly concentrated to the edges and some small scattered areas of light discoloration consistent with age and use. The edges of the table with a some occasional minute chips. The areas along the edges and the junction between the two panels of the table top with very light abrasion resulting in light discoloration, partially visible in the catalogue illustration. The outer edges of the legs with some dents at mid-height, most likely resulting from contact with the seat of the chairs. With a few scattered paint stains. The chairs are in very good condition and present with scratches, minor dents and minor chips along the edges consistent with age and use. One chair with a slightly larger chip to the front edge. The wood with a few cracks and separations mostly located to the seats and the bases of the chairs. The original pads on the underside of the chairs are missing and a later wood rail has been added to ensure the stability of the chairs. The back handles with some handling wear. And iconic and functional design by Rietveld.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.