Theo Ruth
Among the pantheon of talented individuals who have worked for Artifort, Theo Ruth was the acclaimed Dutch furniture manufacturer’s first permanent designer. Ruth’s work significantly advanced Artifort’s laudable reputation, specifically through his designs for armchairs like the 1952 Congo chair and the 1953 Penguin chair.
Ruth was born in 1915 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, where Artifort was established. Founded by Jules Wagemans, Artifort began as Wagemans & Van Tuinen in 1890 before rebranding to Artifort in 1928. Ruth studied furniture and interior design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht and joined the Artifort team in 1936.
Ruth’s long tenure as its head of design and development included overseeing the hiring of key individuals like Artifort’s aesthetic consultant and designer Kho Liang Ie, British furniture designer Geoffrey D. Harcourt RDI and French interior designer Pierre Paulin RDI.
Following Ruth’s death in 1971, Artifort has carried on his legacy of innovative furniture through collaborations with numerous top designers, such as Jasper Morrison, Wolfgang C.R. Mezger, René Holten, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Ilse Crawford and Luca Nichetto.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Theo Ruth seating, including lounge chairs, sofas and more.
| Average Sold Price |
| $5,434 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth
Velvet, Teak
20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth
Alpaca, Birch
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth
Fabric, Wood
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth
Upholstery, Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth
Fabric, Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth
Fabric, Wood
1940s Vintage Theo Ruth
Wool, Oak
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth
Wool, Wood
