A beautifully constructed modernist armchair by L.O.V. Oosterbeek (Labor Omnia Vincit), dating from the 1920s and documented in the original factory catalogue. This design represents the refined austerity and geometric clarity characteristic of the Hague School, a Dutch Art Deco movement known for its architectural restraint and cubist forms.
Executed in solid oak, the chair’s form is defined by clean, rectilinear lines and a subtly architectural silhouette. The strong vertical legs lend it both stability and presence, while the rich oak grain brings warmth and tactility to its otherwise disciplined geometry.
The seat is upholstered in burgundy corduroy (newer) - the deep tone contrasts beautifully with the oak frame. The seat can be easily removed for reupholstery or customization, allowing it to adapt to any interior palette. The construction is structurally sound, and the wood is in excellent condition, showing only a soft patina consistent with its age.
Chairs by L.O.V. Oosterbeek - one of the foremost Dutch furniture manufacturers of the early 20th century - embody the ideals of the Hague School: calm proportion, high-quality materials, and a deliberate rejection of excess ornamentation in favor of honest structure.
An exemplary piece of early modern Dutch design, balancing functional rigor and understated elegance.
About The Hague School
After the First World War, young designers such as Henk Wouda, Cor Alons and J. Brunott developed their own modern design for the interior. They were inspired by the modernist work of the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The result was the now well-known Dutch 'Hague School' style with its straight and cubist shapes.
Creator
Design documented in LOV catalogue
Manufacturer
L.O.V. Oosterbeek
Design Period
1920s to 1930s
Production Period
1920s
Country of Manufacture
Netherlands
Identifying Marks
Style
Modernist, Art Deco, Haagse School, cubist, rationalist
