Michael van Beuren was born in New York and studied architecture at the Bauhaus under Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Josef Albers until its closure in 1933. He moved to Acapulco at the end of 1936, where he oversaw the design of the interiors of the bungalows at the renowned Flamingo Hotel in 1937, and quickly became a formative member of the Mexican Modernism movement.
By 1938, van Beuren began focusing on furniture design, working with a fellow Bauhaus colleague, Klaus Grabe, to create modern and affordable pieces. Inspired by the local culture and craftsmanship, the duo applied Bauhaus design principles to popular Mexican mainstays, such as woven reclining chaises and wooden dining chairs.
The approach was a success — Grabe, Morley Webb and van Beuren were named among the winners of a 1941 competition organized by the Museum of Modern Art that focused on designer teams from the United States and Latin America called “Organic Design in Home Furnishings.” This award catapulted them to wide renown.
In the following years, van Beuren founded his furniture label Domus, which became synonymous with well-crafted, modernist design that garnered fans both in Mexico and America. Along with his own designs, Domus also produced work by Clara Porset, a friend and contemporary of van Beuren’s. However, by 1951, the company’s move toward more mass manufacturing meant that van Beuren’s earlier designs were no longer being produced.
Find vintage Michael van Beuren furniture on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by 7710 Gallery)
| Average Sold Price |
| $5,305 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
$7,250 / item
H 29.5 in W 43.25 in D 20.5 in
Oak Credenza with Handwoven Palm Doors by LUTECA, IN STOCK
By Luteca Furniture, Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in Mexico in circa 1945 by Michael van Beuren, this meticulously crafted credenza is made with handwoven woven palm cord doors in a technique unique to Mexico and features t...
Oak
$5,500
H 30.71 in W 21.26 in D 26.78 in
Michael van Beuren San Miguelito Lounge Chair for Domus, Mexico, circa 1950
By Domus, Michael van Beuren
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, an original “San Miguelito” lounge chair designed by Michael van Beuren for Domus in Mexico, circa 1950s. Crafted in solid mahogany, this example has been pr...
Jute, Hardwood
$12,775
H 29.5 in W 86 in D 20.5 in
Oak Credenza with Woven Palm Cord Doors, Handmade, Michael van Beuren, LUTECA
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in Mexico in circa 1945 by Michael van Beuren, an American designer trained at Germany's famous Bauhaus school, this credenza combines the sophistication of Europe's moderni...
Wood, Oak
$4,105 / item
H 32.5 in W 30 in D 34.25 in
Modernist Mexican San Miguel Lounge Chair by Michael van Beuren from Luteca
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Miguel lounge chair is a timeless mid-century Mexican piece inspired by the classic Latin American Butaque chair famed by the likes of 20th Century Mexican architect Luis Barragan and Industrial Designer Clara Porset. Michael van Beuren, an American born designer trained at Germany's famous Bauhuas school, produced this award winning piece in 1941 for the MoMA's Organic Design Exhibition in New York along with it's sister-design, the Alacran Chaise...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Petite Disc Cabinet by Michael van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970, we offer this Mid-Century Modern petite disc cabinet by Michael Van Beuren, made in mahogany plywood and brass details, includes VB original l...
Mahogany
$6,658 / item
H 31 in W 28 in D 29 in
Solid Wood Outdoor Modernist Armchair, Designed in the 20th Century
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Miguelito armchair is an iconic design by the Bauhaus trained American designer Michael van Beuren, realized during his lifetime in Mexico. It is meticulously handcrafted in Irok...
Teak
$6,000
H 71.75 in W 44 in D 15.25 in
Double Sided Mahogany & Rattan Bookshelf by Michael van Beuren for Domus Mexico
By Domus, Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based Michael van Beuren created a highly functional modern design inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. Designed for Domus Mexico...
Mahogany, Rattan
20th Century Solid Wood Counter Stool for Indoor Outdoor
By Luteca Furniture, Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Michael van Beuren was an American designer who attended Germany's prestigious Bauhaus school and went on to become the most prolific furniture designer in Mexico during the 20th cen...
Teak
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | |||||||||||
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| $5,305 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $3,250-$8,985 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |