Vintage "Albatros" armchair by Gerrit Rietveld, Netherlands 1951

A very rare “Albatros” chair designed by Gerrit Rietveld, manufactured in the Netherlands around 1951. This chair was designed for the holiday houses “Hessenheem” in Markelo, the Netherlands as well as camping Coldenhove in Eerbeek, the Netherlands. Rietveld designed the furniture for these holiday homes, now known as the “Albatros” pieces.They were designed in addition to the iconic “Crate” designs, as can clearly be seen from the style of the piece. However, the Albatros chairs have a higher seating comfort compared to the crate furniture as the seat and back are slightly folded to create a more ergonomic seating experience! Only 27 of these chairs were made, of which most of them were destroyed together with the holiday houses in 1972. This makes these chairs extremely rare! Provenance: Gallery Frans Leidelmeijer, the Netherlands Literature: Peter Voge, The complete Rietveld furniture, Amsterdam 1993, p.147 It remains in very good, vintage condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.