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Vintage Dutch Congo & Pinguin Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Set of 2

  • Vintage Dutch Congo & Pinguin Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Set of 2 1
  • Vintage Dutch Congo & Pinguin Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Set of 2 2
  • Vintage Dutch Congo & Pinguin Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Set of 2 3

About This Piece

Vintage Design

These beautiful chairs were designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort in 1957. An absolutely progressive design (based on the African design chair). This chair consists of 2 parts, easy to disassemble and store. The armchair with arms is also called the 'Pinguin' chair, the other the 'Congo' chair. The chair has a duotone red/dark gray and red Ploeg fabric. Both chairs have a stylish design because of the beautiful wooden legs and the fantastic seating comfort. This comfortable lounge set is very special as a complete set and is fantastic in both vintage or modern interiors, in a hotel lobby or as shop decoration. Definitely a must-have for the design expert. Lounge time. Measurements: Pinguin chair: H80 x W75 x D74 cm x seating height 41 cm x seating depth 42 cm.
* Please note that items made of Rosewood are subject to a special export process that may extend the delivery time an additional 2 to 4 weeks
Creator Theo Ruth
Manufacturer Artifort
Design Period 1950 to 1959
Year 1957
Production Period 1950 to 1959
Country of Manufacture Netherlands
Attribution Marks This piece is a well-known design that is well documented in general design literature
Style Vintage
Detailed Condition Good — This vintage item remains fully functional, but it shows sign of age through scuffs, dings, faded finishes, minimal upholstery defects, or visible repairs.
Restoration and Damage Details Light wear consistent with age and use
Product Code BW-376420
Materials Fabric, Wood
Color Grey, red
Width 52 cm 52 cm
Depth 70 cm 70 cm
Height 88 cm 88 cm
Seat Height 41 cm
Weight Range Heavy — Over 80kg
Duties Notice Import duty is not included in the prices you see online. You may have to pay import duties upon receipt of your order.

Shipping & Delivery

Ships from Netherlands
Duties Notice Import duty is not included in the prices you see online. You may have to pay import duties upon receipt of your order.
Returns Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery, except for Made-to-order items

Delivery Options

Front Door Delivery:
(Included in Every Order)
  • A skilled driver will unload the item(s) from the delivery truck and bring it to your building’s doorstep. You will be responsible for further transport beyond that point. We recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand; alternatively, you may upgrade to In-Home Delivery (see below).
  • The delivery partner will email and/or call you at least one day in advance to arrange a delivery time.
  • A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
  • Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
  • A signature will be required upon delivery.
In-Home Delivery:
(For in-home delivery service, additional fees apply. Please get in touch)
  • A skilled driver or a team of two will bring your item(s) inside your home and place it in the immediate entryway. For unusually large or heavy items, we recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand, as we cannot send more than 2 drivers.
  • The delivery partner will email and/or call you one day in advance to arrange a delivery time.
  • A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
  • Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
  • A signature will be required upon delivery.

*Important Note

Please examine every order upon delivery. In the event that there are visible signs of damage or missing or incorrect pieces, please indicate the problem on the Delivery Note and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. A signed delivery receipt without notations of missing, damaged, or incorrect item(s) represents your acceptance of the complete order in perfect condition.

About the Creator

Theo Ruth

Dutch designer Theo Ruth was born in 1915 in Maastricht. He trained as a furniture designer and interior designer at the Middelbare Kunstnijverheidsschool in Maastricht (which later became the Maastricht Academy of Arts). In 1936, he joined Artifort in Maastricht, where he specialized in designing living room furniture. Just three years later, in 1939, he became head of design and development, a position he maintained until his death in 1971.

Ruth was Artifort’s first permanent designer, and he had a major impact on its design legacy. His most famous pieces include the 1952 Congo Chair and the 1953 Penguin Chair, both of which were constructed from two interlocking pieces that fit together without locks or screws (the latter’s original version featured a black back and a white cushion to mimic its namesake). Notably, designers Pierre Paulin and Geoffrey Harcourt also collaborated with Artifort’s design department during Ruth’s tenure.

*All slideshow photos courtesy of Artifort.com

About the Maker

Artifort

Wallpaper hanger and upholsterer Jules Wagemans (1866-1943) laid the foundation for Dutch manufacturing brand Artifort when he opened his bespoke furnishings atelier, H. Wagemans & Van Tuinen, in Maastricht in 1890. In 1920, his son Henricus Wagemans (1892-1948) took the helm and re-focused the company on the production of solid, well crafted, upholstered armchairs and other seating in traditional styles. In 1927, Henricus changed the company name to Artifort, which he derived from the Latin words, “ars,” meaning “art,” and “fortis,” meaning “strength.” Moving on a trajectory toward an ever-more progressive design approach, in the early 1930s, Artifort acquired a patent for “Epeda” single-steel-wire springs, which had already been used in mattresses and car seats, but never before in domestic furniture. This innovation allowed Artifort to produce more comfortable chairs and sofas in less time and with fewer materials. 

In 1939, Dutch designer Theo Ruth (1915-1971) became head of design and development—a position he maintained until his death in 1971—and proved instrumental in establishing Artifort as one of the most design-conscious companies of the 20th century. After World War II, under the directorship of Henricus’s son H. J. J. (Harry) Wagemans (b. 1921), Artifort acquired a high-pressure molding machine, which allowed for much more minimalist yet cushioned designs. Early examples of this reduced style include Ruth’s Congo Chair (1952) and Penguin Chair (1953).

Artifort’s signature vibrant and biomorphic aesthetic fully blossomed when Dutch designer Kho Liang Ie (1927-1975) agreed to consult for the company, starting in 1958. In addition to designing a number of iconic pieces for Artifort, Kho instigated important collaborations with foreign designers, most notably French designer Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) and British designer Geoffrey Harcourt (b. 1935). As tastes for space-age designs peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, Artifort found international success, especially with Paulin’s colorful, jersey-covered “seat sculptures,” like Orange Slice Chair (1960), Model 560 Mushroom Chair (1963), Model 582 Ribbon Chair (1966), and Model 577 Tongue Chair (1966-7). Since the 1970s, a variety of standout designers have collaborated with Artifort, including Gijs Bakker, Jasper Morrison, René Holten, Patrick Norguet, and Khodi Feiz.

Artifort pieces are included in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and Centre Pompidou in Paris, and Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein. 

In 1998, the Lande Group in Schijndel purchased Artifort from the Wagemans family, opening new factories in Schijndel and Lanaken in Belgium. The company celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015. 

 

* All images courtesy of Artifort.

£3,789
Price per set
Incl. VAT (if applicable) excl. shipping

Only one set available

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