Henry Van de Velde Reclining Chair
Designed in 1903/04 by Henry van de Velde for his own Weimar flat, this
piece of furniture illustrates the principles of his New Style. The
elegance and modern look of this model are linked with comfort, a
quality totally lacking in all other seat furniture of this
stylistically confused period. The back can be adjusted by means of a
horizontal metal rod that fits into mortises, a beautifully simple
solution.
The design is modern in the best sense of the word,
''American'', an ironical swipe at the reproaches made to the artist
that, in transplanting the relaxing luxury of the sundeck of a
transatlantic liner to the elegant European drawing-room, he had
succumbed to the ''yachting style''. He had this piece made for himself
in chic cream lacquer with loose upholstery in a plain colour to match
the rest of the gleaming white sofas, tables and chairs in his
drawing-room.
It was also delivered to clients in hardwoods with
lavishly patterned fabric and leather upholstery. Dating from the
period when his creative powers were at their height, this model was a
personal favourite of Henry van de Velde's. The two exemplars he owned
himself went with him on at least seven times when he moved,
accompanying all stages of his long voyage through life.
Bought from
the estate of his only son, Thyl, they are now highlights of the most
important van de Velde collection in his native Belgium, in the Ghent
Museum for the Applied Arts. Only three other exemplars are extant: in
a private collection and in the Städtische Kunstsammlung Chemnitz.
Adjustable back Ironical response to the reproach made to van de Velde
that his was a ''yachting style'' Executed in solid beechwood, cream
lacquer.
- Upholstery: patterned fabric
- H: 104 cm, W: 82 cm, D:90 cm, AH:
59.5 cm
Design:
Henry van de Velde
Manufacturer:
ADELTA
Henry van de Velde designs
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