A beautifully proportioned Dutch tea or drinks cabinet designed by Cor Alons for L.O.V. Oosterbeek in the 1920s. With its architectural composition, richly figured wood and striking blue interior, this piece exemplifies the distinctive character of Hague School furniture.
The design balances strong horizontal lines with clearly articulated construction. Warm wood contrasts with dark Macassar ebony, emphasising the cabinet’s geometry and giving each element its own presence. An elongated glass window stretches across the broad door, offering a glimpse of the vivid blue interior. This interplay between natural materials, dark accents and assertive colour gives the cabinet a remarkably modern appearance for a piece a century old.
Originally conceived as a tea cabinet, it lends itself equally well to use as a dry bar. Inside, a single shelf corresponds with the glazed section of the door, bringing the contents into the composition.
Cor Alons (1892–1967) was a Dutch interior architect and industrial designer strongly associated with the Hague School, alongside figures including Hendrik Wouda, and Frits Spanjaard. His work reflects the transition from decorative craftsmanship towards a more architectural approach to the modern interior. Clear construction, geometric forms and carefully considered contrasts are central to this design. Here, the blue interior recalls the colour vocabulary of De Stijl, with colour functioning as an integral part of the composition.
L.O.V., short for Labor Omnia Vincit (“Labour conquers all”), was founded in Oosterbeek in 1910 by Gerrit Pelt. The furniture manufacturer combined progressive ideals with an ambition to produce well-crafted, modern furnishings. Its collaboration with designers such as Alons places its output within an important chapter of early twentieth-century Dutch design.
This cabinet has been expertly restored to the highest standard, with great care taken to preserve the original character. It presents beautifully.
A particularly strong example of Dutch interwar design: practical, architectural and unmistakably Hague School.
Creator
Cor Alons
Manufacturer
L.O.V. Oosterbeek
Design Period
1920 to 1930
Production Period
1920 to 1930
Country of Manufacture
Netherlands
Identifying Marks
Style
Art Deco, Modernist, Haagse School, Amsterdamse School, De Stijl
Detailed Condition
Very good expertly restored condition.
Restoration and Damage Details
Completely looked over to make sure everything in working order, refinished.
