Dutch Art Deco modernist armchair by Piet De Vries, 1934

A rare modernist armchair designed by Dutch architect Piet de Vries, created exclusively for the boardroom of the newly built Town Hall of Tytsjerksteradiel in Friesland, 1934. Only twelve examples were commissioned and produced for this project.

This chair is one of those twelve.

Architecturally composed and firmly rooted in the spirit of the The Hague School, the design reflects De Vries’ evolving modernist language during the early 1930s. The influence of his contemporary Hendrik Wouda is evident in the upright back posts and the layered construction of the base, with its clear, intersecting planes. Wouda himself drew from Frank Lloyd Wright, and that lineage resonates here in the strong rationalist design and grounded presence, where architectural structure is translated into bold, confident furniture.

Crafted from solid oak with a beautifully expressive grain, the chair features macassar ebony veneer on the armrests, a refinement not found on the other known examples. This distinctive detail strongly suggests that this was the chairman’s chair within the boardroom setting.

The chair has been newly upholstered in a fresh off white textured fabric, carefully chosen to complement the architectural clarity of the design. It is in excellent condition and offers remarkable seating comfort.

The Tytsjerksteradiel Town Hall marked one of De Vries’ earliest fully modernist commissions. In surviving project documentation, he described it as one of his most satisfying achievements. The bespoke interior, including these twelve chairs, formed an integral part of the architectural concept.

The final photographs show the Town Hall designed by Piet de Vries and the twelve chairs in situ in the original boardroom. Archival documentation is available.

A rare opportunity to acquire an architect designed, project specific chair with complete and traceable provenance, nearly a century after its creation and still strikingly relevant today.