Rare and Early 1950s Gerrit Rietveld for Metz & Co 'Utrecht' Sofa in Brown Canvas
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Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, Original Metz & Co. edition, ‘Utrecht’ sofa, canvas fabric, wood, the Netherlands, design 1935, made early 1950s
We present the iconic Utrecht sofa, designed by the pioneering Dutch modernist Gerrit Thomas Rietveld (1888–1964). This exceptionally rare example is an original Metz & Co. edition from the early 1950s; only a limited number of such sofas are known to exist.
Rietveld originally designed the Utrecht armchair in 1935 while working for the progressive Amsterdam department store Metz & Co. The sofa is a later extension of this design. Significantly, the Utrecht marks Rietveld’s first venture into upholstered furniture, representing a decisive departure from his earlier, rigorously linear wooden constructions.
The design is defined by its bold, architectural geometry. The wide, flat armrests extend seamlessly into the front legs, forming a strict 90-degree angle. The seat and backrest mirror one another as planar volumes, also articulated at right angles, with the backrest subtly inclined to enhance comfort. This inclined junction continues downward to form the rear legs, creating a sculptural yet structurally logical whole. The clarity of the construction remains fully legible through the upholstery, reinforcing Rietveld’s belief in honesty of form.
The sofa’s structure was crafted by the acclaimed Dutch cabinetmaker Gerard van de Groenekan (1904-1994), Rietveld’s closest collaborator, who was responsible for manufacturing nearly all of Rietveld’s furniture, including the celebrated Red Blue Chair (1918–1923). The earliest Utrecht pieces were upholstered in dark brown canvas. In keeping with the original material and period aesthetic, this sofa has been reupholstered in a heavy dark brown canvas, closely resembling the robust fabric traditionally used on Dutch fishing boats.
The Utrecht sofa stands as a key work within the legacy of De Stijl (Neoplasticism) and exemplifies Rietveld’s radical approach to form, structure, and modern living.
We present the iconic Utrecht sofa, designed by the pioneering Dutch modernist Gerrit Thomas Rietveld (1888–1964). This exceptionally rare example is an original Metz & Co. edition from the early 1950s; only a limited number of such sofas are known to exist.
Rietveld originally designed the Utrecht armchair in 1935 while working for the progressive Amsterdam department store Metz & Co. The sofa is a later extension of this design. Significantly, the Utrecht marks Rietveld’s first venture into upholstered furniture, representing a decisive departure from his earlier, rigorously linear wooden constructions.
The design is defined by its bold, architectural geometry. The wide, flat armrests extend seamlessly into the front legs, forming a strict 90-degree angle. The seat and backrest mirror one another as planar volumes, also articulated at right angles, with the backrest subtly inclined to enhance comfort. This inclined junction continues downward to form the rear legs, creating a sculptural yet structurally logical whole. The clarity of the construction remains fully legible through the upholstery, reinforcing Rietveld’s belief in honesty of form.
The sofa’s structure was crafted by the acclaimed Dutch cabinetmaker Gerard van de Groenekan (1904-1994), Rietveld’s closest collaborator, who was responsible for manufacturing nearly all of Rietveld’s furniture, including the celebrated Red Blue Chair (1918–1923). The earliest Utrecht pieces were upholstered in dark brown canvas. In keeping with the original material and period aesthetic, this sofa has been reupholstered in a heavy dark brown canvas, closely resembling the robust fabric traditionally used on Dutch fishing boats.
The Utrecht sofa stands as a key work within the legacy of De Stijl (Neoplasticism) and exemplifies Rietveld’s radical approach to form, structure, and modern living.
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Rare and Early 1950s Gerrit Rietveld for Metz & Co 'Utrecht' Sofa in Brown Canvas
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