Gerrit Thomas Rietveld

Ir. J.B. van Grunsven B.N.A
Thence by descent

Daniele Baroni, Ursprung des modernen Möbels - das Werk Rietvelds, Milan 1977, pp. 130, fig. 50, 134 for technical drawings, pp. 135 and 153
Marijke, Ida van Zijl, Gerrit Th. Rietveld 1888-1964: Het volledige werk, 1992, pp. 147 and 179
Exh. Cat., Weil am Rhein, Vitra Design Museum, 100 Masterpieces from the Vitra Design Museum, 1996, pp. 112-113, no. 43
Charlotte and Peter Fiell, Eds., Design of the 20th Century, Cologne, 1999, p. 607
Jan van Adrichem and Ingeborg de Roode, The Furniture Collection, Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam: 1850-2000 / From Michael Thonet to Marcel Wanders, Amsterdam, 2004, pp. 309-313, no. 484-489 for various related examples
Exh. Cat., London, Victoria and Albert Museum, Modernism: Designing A New World: 1914-1939, April - July 2006, p. 245, no. 165

Good condition overall consistent with age and use. Wear and chips throughout, concentrated to the upper backrest and front of the base. The chair was painted at one point and this has been professionally and sensitively removed with only faint traces remaining. Six support screws have been inserted in between the joints of the backrest, with a further six screws inserted in between the joints of the underside of the seat and backrest and are not visible from above. Minor separation of the wood to the seat, front right proper approximately 3cm, and is stable. Minor losses to the dovetail joints of the seat at the rear of the chair. A historically important model with excellent provenance.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Mr. van Grunsven was employed as Head Designer by Gerrit Rietveld from 1950 to 1959. On leaving Rietveld, he established his own practise as an architect. The present lot was part of a dining suite executed by Rietveld's master cabinetmaker Gerard van de Groenekan in 1950 for the van Grunsven family. Mr. van Grunsven sold the dining suite (Sothebys Amsterdam, 2 March, 1987, lots 276-280), however he retained the present lot as a reminder of his time spent with one of the most important designers of the 20th century.