chairs for modern living.
Modernism is often older than one might think: J.J.P. Oud’s designed these chairs 1927 for one of his own buildings in the Weissenhofsiedlung, Stuttgart, Germany. Time warp: In 1978, Andrée Putman founded ‘Ecart International’ and showcased designers and objects she had rediscovered and reissued, including Eileen Gray, Jean-Michel Frank, René Herbst, Robert Mallet-Stevens – and J. J. P. Oud. ‚Ecart International‘ apparently licenced a new production of the Weissenhof-Chairs: Some have been manufactured under licence by Palluco in Italy – and there’s also a limited edition by Kollektor Perpetuel, Den Haag.
J.J.P. Oud (1890–1963), Dutch architect, urban planner and designer, was closely associated with the Dutch avant-garde movement ‚De Stijl‘ around Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg. Their movement emphasised clear geometry, horizontal and vertical lines, and a minimalist design language. Oud was especially interested in the question of what modern architecture might look like for broad sections of the population. As city architect of Rotterdam (1918–1933), he designed numerous housing estates. In 1927, he took part in the construction of the now world-famous model estate ‚Weissenhofsiedlung‚ in Stuttgart, Germany.
One of the most significant architectural experiments of the 20th century, the estate was part of the Werkbund exhibition ‘Die Wohnung’ (The Dwelling). The show presented ideas for modern, healthy, affordable and functional living by 17 international architects, including Walter Gropius, Hans Scharoun, Le Corbusier – and J.J.P. Oud, who built five row houses and also developed furniture for one of them. Besides the model houses there were three additional exhibitions on modern building around the world, on interior design, and on building materials and constructions. 500.000 visitors attended the exhibition, which ran for four months and was noted the world over. In 2027, the Weissenhofsiedlung will celebrate its centenary – and to this day, the houses still look clean, modern and highly innovative.
J.J.P. (Jacobus Johannes Pieter) Oud:
Pair of chairs for one of his „5 row houses“, Weissenhofsiedlung, Stuttgart, designed 1927.
Re-Edition 1978, Ecart International (Andrée Putman)
H: 90 cm, W: 42.5 cm, d: 45.5 cm
the chairs are in their original vintage condition and show distinct signs of wear and use.
Find out more about the Weissenhofsiedlung; see the whole „Dining Room Furniture“ set at Kunstmuseum Den Haag or discover more beautiful items of furniture designed by J.J.P. Oud at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen’s collection.
