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Product description
Set/2 Paul Schuitema PS55 manufactured by the gebr. van der Stroom (Dutch Originals) in red original fabric.
Paul Schuitema (1897 - 1973) is considered one of the most prominent Dutch representatives of modernism. He enjoyed international
fame as a (graphic) designer, photographer and filmmaker. Many of his designs are included in museums, such as Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam, the
Gemeentemuseum in The Hague and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. In recent years, thanks to the rise of Dutch design, a strong reappraisal
for his work has arisen. Much to the delight of son Martin Schuitema, who helped Dutch Originals revive his father's work.
Schuitema was one of the most important representatives of the progressive Rotterdam art movement Opbouw in the 1920s.
Together with architects such as J.P. Oud and Mart Stam and designers such as W.H. Gispen and Piet Zwart, Schuitema stood at the foundation of Dutch
functionalism. Starting out as a portrait painter, Schuitema soon turned to graphic design. Later, he also made a name for himself with his photography and
film projects. In 1931, his interest in interior design was piqued. According to son Martin, this was the result of a commission Schuitema received from
Gispen to design some catalogs. 'My father was constantly renewing himself. When he saw those designs, he must have thought: I can do that
better.'
As an experiment, Schuitema made two metal tubular chairs. These were so successful that a year later he co-founded furniture factory d3. In
his designs for d3, Schuitema coupled simplicity with comfort. 'He was not interested in aesthetic tomfoolery,' Martin Schuitema said. First and foremost was
functionality. From that, according to him, a good form flowed naturally.'
Schuitema believed that an artist should serve society. He wanted a wide audience to enjoy his designs, for what
reason his designs were mass-produced. It also enabled Schuitema to perfect his models. Characteristic of
many of Schuitema's models is the round, continuous armrest. It provided comfort and extra firmness.
Schuitema's heyday at d3 lasted only three years. During this time, the company grew into a formidable competitor to market leaders Gispen and
Thonet. At the height of its success, d3 employed sixty men. In 1935, the investors behind d3 wanted to move away from standard production and
focus on so-called 'special furniture'. Martin Schuitema: "That plan did not square with my father's socialist views. He made no concessions,
that was not in his nature.' So Schuitema left the company and devoted himself to teaching at the Art Academy in The Hague. Furniture factory
much later into Fanametaal.
Schuitema's tube designs have become true collector's items in recent years. Dutch Originals has reproduced the five most successful chair designs of
Schuitema in detail, even retaining the old-fashioned spiral springs. In addition, two desk designs by
Schuitema are included in the catalog. 'I love the fact that my father now lives on through his designs,' said Schuitema junior. Who was also delighted
with the 2007 retrospective that the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag devoted to the work of d3 and Paul Schuitema.
Armchairs have very light signs of use, but are actually still as good as new.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsRedMaterialTextile, ChromeNumber of items2StyleVintageBrandDutch OriginalsFirst ownerYesHeight82 cmWidth60 cmDepth91 cmSeat height40 cm