A Dutch Modernist Table

Steph Uiterwaal, Utrecht
Thence by descent
Christie's Amsterdam, May 21, 1987, lot 402
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Overall in very good condition. This table with some light warping and therefore the legs, as seen in the auction catalogue photograph are no longer straight. The painted metal legs with losses scattered throughout as seen in the catalogue photograph. With some minor surface scratches and rubbing both the metal and painted wood surfaces. With a few small age cracks to the two wooden tops, adjacent to the metal legs, which have caused lifting and minor paint losses. This table, possibly designed Jo Uiterwaal and were sold as part of the collection of the chairs in the 1980s.
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.

Both Steph and Jo Uiterwaal were much impressed by Rietvelds furniture designs. Apart from the beugelstoelen offered in the previous lot, Steph is said to have owned an example of the famous red-blue chair. The round dining table which has always accompanied the beugelchairs was probably designed by Uiterwaal himself. The set was sold by Steph's son at Christie's Amsterdam in 1987 with his claim that the table and chairs were custom made by Rietveld for his father circa 1928. However, in The Complete Works (1992), Kuper and Van Zijl refer to the set stating that 'there is no reason to assume that this [the table, RD] is a design by Rietveld.' Furthermore, the date 1928 would be a few years too early for the Metz & Co type of beugelchairs Uiterwaal owned. In 1929, Steph's brother Jo designed several pieces of furniture in a style and colour scheme much indebted to Rietveld and De Stijl. These pieces, which are now in Utrecht Centraal Museum, are believed to have been executed by Cees Uiterwaal, Steph's and Jo's elder brother who was a cabinet maker. The table here offered might have been a joint effort by the Uiterwaal brothers as well. In a letter from 1958, Steph congratulates Rietveld on his 70^th birthday, commenting: 'I still have your first chairs in use', without any reference to the table.

--Rob Driessen, Amsterdam