Modernist Side Chairs by Piet Klaarhamer, 1917, Set of 2

These important chairs were the first pieces of furniture that Klaarhamer designed that were produced in larger quantities around 1917, (although probably still manufactured in very limited numbers) by company called NV Nederlandse Meubel en Houtwarenfabriek in Zaandam. The early designs of modernist architect Piet Klaarhamer use simple, rudimentary constructions, and demonstrate an honest use of the materials used. Klaarhamer’s designs had a clear influence on his students, including the well-known architects Piet Elling and Gerrit Rietveld. The design of this particular model (without arms) influenced Rietveld in the design of his well known ‘Military Chair’ in 1923. It is a design that is well documented in the monograph on Klaarhamer written by author/historians Marijke Kuper & Monique Teunissen*. This book details a letter (with a sketch of the chair) by Gerrit Rietveld to the architect J.J.P Oud. *Literature: Piet Klaarhamer Architect en Meubelontwerper. Marijke Kuper & Monique Teunissen, nai010. 2014