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)
Mid-century Slat Wood Easy Rocking Chair by Michael Van Beuren for Domus, Pair
By Michael van Beuren, Domus
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of Michael van Beuren-designed "Easy" rocking chairs features a sinuous crescent-shaped form supported by an angular frame. Each chair features a wood seat attached to the frame...
Brass
$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 Michael van Beuren, Domus
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
$6,601 / item
H 28.75 in W 28.35 in D 30.32 in
Customizable ClassiCon Euvira Rocking Chair by Jader Almeida
By Jader Almeida
Located in New York, NY
The Euvira rocking chair by Jader Almeida is a masterful blend of yesterday and today, lightness and solidity. With its precisely orchestrated flowing li...
Oak
Italian Rocking Chair Model 572 By Cassina
By Cassina
Located in London, GB
An incredible and very rare rocking chair (has been attributed to Gio Ponti in the past and shows a strong and striking resemblance to his designs) in walnut, rubber and fabric for C...
Steel
$695Sale Price|28% Off
H 39.375 in W 35 in D 21.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Pine and Rush Rocking Chair Inspired by Charlotte Perriand
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Danish Mid-Century pine and rush rocking chair inspired by Charlotte Perriand, Les Arc series. In good original condition with nice patina and visible wear. Condition is consistent w...
Rush, Pine
Mexican Rocking Chair Attributed to Michael van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Ciraca 1950, we offer this Mexican rocking chair attributed to Michael van Beuren made in mahogany wood and recently professionally restored.
Wood
Set of Two Chairs by Michael Van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, we offer this set of two early chairs by Michael Van Beuren made in mahogany and plywood, includes brand label. About Michael Van Beuren: Michael Van Beuren (1911–2...
Mahogany
Michael Van Beuren Lounge Chair Bench
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based designer, Michael Van Beuren created highly functional modern pieces inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. This example, c.1950s Mex...
Rattan, Pine
$2,790 / item
H 30 in W 16 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Wood 'Rib' Bar Stool by Michael van Beuren for Luteca Indoor/Outdoor
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Michael van Beuren, an American designer who attended Germany's prestigious Bauhaus school was the most famous 20th century furniture designer in Mexico. His goal was to bring modern furniture, expertly crafted to the Mexican market...
Leather, Teak
Set of Six Chairs by Michael Van Beuren for Domus
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Set of Six Chairs by Michael Van Beuren for Domus in pine wood and with the characteristic Terracota Van Beuren col...
Pine
$6,601 / item
H 28.75 in W 28.35 in D 30.32 in
Customizable ClassiCon Euvira Rocking Chair by Jader Almeida
By Jader Almeida
Located in New York, NY
The Euvira rocking chair by Jader Almeida is a masterful blend of yesterday and today, lightness and solidity. With its precisely orchestrated flowing li...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Thonet Style Chrome Frame Rocking Chair
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sleek modern rocking chair features a tufted vinyl seat with stylish chrome frame. Mounted wooden rockers ensure a fluid rocking motion, while padde...
Chrome, Metal, Steel
Prototype Rocking Chair by Arturo Pani
By Arturo Pani
Located in Chicago, IL
Prototype hand-forged, steel rocker designed by Arturo Pani and executed by Telleres Chacon, Mexico City. The piece has been reupholstered in hand-stitched, Edelman leather with custom piping. This piece was acquired from Telleres Chacon upon the retirement of Manuel Chacon, master metalsmith in the 1980s. This design is based on a Maison Jansen rocker...
Steel