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Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Dutch, 1915-1971

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.

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Creator: Theo Ruth
Pair Black Leather Wingback Armchairs With ottoman- Theo Ruth for artifort
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Trenton, NJ
This captivating vintage seating set includes a pair of high Wingback Armchairs and matching ottoman, designed for acclaimed Dutch manufacturer Artifort by Theo Ruth. This striking pair of wingback chairs are elegantly upholstered in rich black leather and embody the innovative design style and comfort of the 1950s. The striking high wingback design is a hallmark of mid-century elegance of Theo Ruth for Artifort. The curvaceous lines, combined with the lustrous black leather upholstery, exude a sense of coziness and style that was celebrated during this era. All three pieces have sturdy casters for added versatility and mobility. Though the exact designer attribution may be debated, the craftsmanship and quality are undeniable. Crafted during the mid-20th century, this chair showcases the meticulous attention to detail and the commitment...
Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Scandinavian Modern Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Theo Ruth 122 Lounge Chair Alpaca Wool Artifort, 1956
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice and cosy lounge chair model 122 designed by Theo Ruth and manufactured by Artifort, Holland 1956. The chair has black painted cast iron legs and is newly upholstered with p...
Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Metal

Wingback Chair by Theo Ruth
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in San Francisco, CA
This low wingback lounge chair by Theo Ruth features a tufted back with three buttons, covered in a deep red corduroy fabric. Its teak legs are in good co...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Related Items
Pair of Theo Ruth 'F815' Lounge Chairs, Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking pair of lounge chairs was designed by Theo Ruth in the early 1960s. The rare model numbered F815 was produced by Artifort in The Netherlands. The design is marked by t...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Theo Ruth Velvet Leaf Green Lounge Chair
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Dutch Mid-Century high back velvet lounge chair. A design by Dutch Mid-Century great Theo Ruth. An attractive lounge or side chair with stylish curves and gorgeous earthy...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Teak

Midcentury Congo Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort
By Theo Ruth
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A good 1950s Congo chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort. Artifort was founded in 1890 and still exist. Starting out as a Classic seating company th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Beech

Midcentury Congo Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort
Midcentury Congo Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort
H 29.53 in W 20.48 in D 33.47 in
Theo Ruth Daybed for Artifort, the Netherlands, 1950s
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
This Mid-Century Modern daybed was designed by Theo Ruth in 1947 and produced by Eugen Schmidt Soloform, Artifort in a limited series. That is a veritable reflection of the specta...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Wool, Alpaca, Wood

Theo Ruth Model 115 Lounge Chair For Artifort / C.1950
By Theo Ruth
Located in Montréal, QC
Theo Ruth, a notable Dutch furniture designer of the mid-20th century, gained recognition for his innovative creations with Artifort. After training at Maastricht's School of Applied...
Category

20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Alpaca, Birch

Theo Ruth Model 115 Lounge Chair For Artifort / C.1950
Theo Ruth Model 115 Lounge Chair For Artifort / C.1950
Free Shipping
H 31.5 in W 29.5 in D 31.5 in
Theo Ruth Lounge Chairs for Artifort, 1950s
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Delft, NL
Theo Ruth lounge chairs for Artifort The Netherlands, 1950s One lounge chair with a highly winged back and 3 rows buttons One lounge chair with a low winged back and 2 rows buttons T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Theo Ruth Lounge Chairs for Artifort, 1950s
Theo Ruth Lounge Chairs for Artifort, 1950s
H 36.62 in W 27.96 in D 23.23 in
1940s Sofa Set by Theo Ruth for Artifort
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Very rare set of 3 armchairs and bench designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort made from leather and oak with block turned legs and arms. In 1936 Ruth joined Wagemans and Van Tuinen, first as a furniture maker and then, from 1939, as head of the design and development department. Ruth was the first permanent designer at Artifort furniture. 1940s - Netherlands The chairs are beautiful made with quality oak and nice patinated but comfortable leather seats...
Category

1940s Dutch Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

1940s Sofa Set by Theo Ruth for Artifort
1940s Sofa Set by Theo Ruth for Artifort
H 32.68 in W 63 in D 21.26 in
Theo Ruth Mid Century Sofa for Artifort 1956
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Tilburg, NL
This is a wonderful sofa designed by Theo Ruth for Wagemans & van Tuinen / Artifort, made in 1956. The design of this sofa is classic mid-century and Scandinavian in style, but really comes to life due to the fantastic colorful upholstery. This vertically striped fabric shows many geometrical shapes, variations and colors and is quintessentially mid-century in appearance. At the same time, it is also very modern and this sofa will be a stunning addition in every interior. The design of this Theo Ruth sofa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Theo Ruth Mid Century Sofa for Artifort 1956
Theo Ruth Mid Century Sofa for Artifort 1956
H 32.29 in W 51.58 in D 27.56 in
Congo Settee by Theo Ruth for Artifort
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Congo settee by Theo Ruth for Artifort. Settee measures 57" wide, 27" deep and 28" high. Seat height is 15". Settee base has been professionally refinished and reupholstered.
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Armchair Model 115 by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1950s
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Paris, FR
Armchair model 115 by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1950s Beech wooden base.
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Beech

Reupholstered in Bouclé Theo Ruth “115” Sofa for Artifort, 1950s
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Renens, CH
Reupholstered 115 sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort (The Netherlands). The Sofa has been reupholstered with new foam and a soft bouclé/sheep wool style fabric. The material used is v...
Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Metal

Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa in Beige Corduroy Upholstery
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Theo Ruth for Artifort, sofa, fabric, wood, The Netherlands, 1970.  A Dutch settee in beige corduroy upholstery by Theo Ruth. The back tilts slightly backward and has the recognizab...
Category

1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Previously Available Items
Wingback chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 50’s Netherlands.
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Wingback chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 50’s Netherlands. Classic model reupholstered in a thick black teddy fabric and solid wooden legs. Inn very good condition.
Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Set of 2 Teddy Wing Back Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort 50’s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Set of 2 wing back chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort 50’s. One ladies and one gentleman chair. Classic model reupholstered in a thick white teddy fabric and black wooden legs. Mea...
Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

Wing Back Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort 50’s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Wing back chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 50’s Netherlands. This is the gentleman model. Classic model reupholstered in a thick white teddy fabric and black wooden legs.  
Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

Wing Back Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort 50’s
Wing Back Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort 50’s
H 36.23 in W 29.14 in D 35.44 in
Gorgeous Pair of White Velvet Theo Ruth Lounge Chairs by Artifort
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Pair of Newly Upholstered Theo Ruth Lounge Chairs for Artifort in White Velvet with Dark Stained Wood Legs. Legs in Good Original Condition with Some Signs of Wear. Set Pric...
Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

Theo Ruth Penguin Chairs Artifort, 1957
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice pair of iconic 'Penguin' chairs designed by Theo Ruth and manufactures by Artifort, Holland 1957. These chairs have beech legs and are newly upholstered in very dark grey, ...
Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Wingback Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Theo Ruth Penguin Chairs Artifort, 1957
Theo Ruth Penguin Chairs Artifort, 1957
H 32.29 in W 29.53 in D 33.86 in

Theo Ruth wingback chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Theo Ruth wingback chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Theo Ruth wingback chairs, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original wingback chairs by Theo Ruth were created in the mid-century modern style in netherlands during the 20th century. Prices for Theo Ruth wingback chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,350 and can go as high as $3,720, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,124.

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