Description
Wim Rietveld (1924–1985) was a Dutch industrial and furniture designer known for his functional, innovative, and affordable designs. He was the son of renowned architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld, a key figure in the De Stijl movement. The ‘Oase’ chair by designer Wim Rietveld is one of the ‘classics’ in midcentury Dutch design for De Cirkel. This company wanted to further propagate the ideals of minimalist industrial design, particularly in the field of office furnishings. Until 1966, the designers Jan Schröfer, Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld and O.O. Kolthoff were active for De Cirkel. Wim Rietveld had previously worked for Gispen. Friso Kramer joined the company in 1947 and in 1952 he designed the Revolt chair. The designs of Kramer and Rietveld, also the Oase, were rewarded with the prestigious Signe d’Or. In 1963, there was less money for product development, and both Kramer and Rietveld left De Cirkel. In 1967 De Cirkel was included in the Ahrend concern. Cf. E. van Hinte, Wim Rietveld. Industrieel ontwerper (Rotterdam 1996).
This chair is in very good solid condition, with some minor signs of use on the frame and the back; grey steel frame and a grey steel back, with its original and complete bakelite armrests, reupholstered in red Kvadrat fabric, h.76, w. 66, d. 68, serat h. 39, seat d. 45
