Willem Hendrik Gispen (1890-1981) was a Dutch industrial designer renowned for his functionalism. His education was gained in part from the architecture department at the Academy of Visual Arts & Technical science in Rotterdam, cut short due to the outbreak of World War I. In 1916 he began work on small-scale designs, inspired by expressionism and Art Nouveau. However, as modernism began to flourish his practice evolved into mass production using industrial methods.
Gispen designed the Model 356 office chair in 1935. Industrial in aesthetic, but comfortable and ergonomic in use, it’s chrome tubular structure rises up from the feet. The seat pad and backrest have been reupholstered while the original Bakelite armrests remain in excellent condition. There is some minor rusting and marking to the frame.
H91 L62 D54 SH48cm
F266