Theo Ruth Design Sofa Model 109 for Artifort, circa 1950s
View Similar Items
Theo Ruth Design Sofa Model 109 for Artifort, circa 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Height: 32.29 in (82 cm)Width: 76.78 in (195 cm)Depth: 32.29 in (82 cm)Seat Height: 16.54 in (42 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Little Burstead, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2100317780412
Artifort
The sterling reputation that Artifort enjoys isn’t limited to the innovative upholstery and fluid, organic shapes for which its products are widely known — the legendary Dutch brand’s vintage seating and other furniture is also celebrated for its embodiment of functionality, comfort and quality. These are among the principles that underpin the philosophy toward modern furniture design at Artifort, which has been at the crossroads of furniture and art for over 125 years.
Prior to 1928, the year Artifort officially became a brand, Jules Wagemans had a small upholstery business in Maastricht, the Netherlands. After setting up in 1890, his son, Henricus Wagemans, broadened the scope of the company to include furniture production. By the end of the 1920s, their showroom in Amsterdam had made them a recognizable brand across the Netherlands.
Then named H. Wagemans & Van Tuien, the company changed its name to Artifort after the economic recession. Artifort came from two Latin words meaning “art” and “strong” — a perfect description for the style of each design and the manufacturer’s intention to create sturdy furnishings. Artifort’s reputation for durable armchairs and sofas endures, and vintage editions of this seating are now family heirlooms in many homes.
Artifort became a magnet for high-profile and up-and-coming designers alike. Many furniture designers’ careers began thanks to collaborations with Artifort, such as Dutch industrial and jewelry designer Gijs Bakker and Indonesian-born designer Kho Liang Ie. Also known for designing the interiors at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Kho Liang Ie was an aesthetic consultant at Artifort and used his expertise to turn the company into a world-class brand. Perhaps his largest contribution, however, was attracting the talents of French furniture and interior designer Pierre Paulin and English furniture designer Geoffrey D. Harcourt.
Paulin’s bright and colorful lounge chairs, such as his Orange Slice chair and Mushroom chair, are still central to the Artifort identity. The revered designer not only introduced new construction techniques to Artifort furniture, but contributed fresh materials, Pop art colors and dazzling shapes to the mid-century modern era as a whole, while Harcourt deserves credit for popularizing Artifort internationally and extending their reach into foreign markets.
Another talent boom in the 1990s at Artifort yielded collaborations with Jasper Morrison, Wolfgang Mezger and René Holten. Iranian designer Khodi Feiz was named art director in 2014 and has continued the tradition of recruiting top designers such as Claesson Koivisto Rune, Ilse Crawford and Luca Nichetto.
Find a collection of vintage Artifort lounge chairs, tables and more on 1stDibs.
- Two-Seat Djinn Sofa by Olivier Mourgue for AirborneBy Olivier MourgueLocated in Little Burstead, EssexAnother classic piece by Mourgue, this one a two seat sofa, completely reupholstered including foam webbing and fabric, and the fabric used is top quality 'Stretch' by Knoll.Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Settees
MaterialsUpholstery
- Pair of Early Pierre Paulin Big Tulip, Model 'F545', Chairs for ArtifortBy Artifort, Pierre PaulinLocated in Little Burstead, EssexThis pair of large Tulip chairs by Perre Paulin are in very nice condition, having been totally reupholstered, with the foam and off white boucle fabric adhering to current fire safety...Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Two-Seat Sofa in New Grey Wool Upholstery Named 'Samas' by Carl MalmstenBy O.H. Sjögren, Carl MalmstenLocated in Little Burstead, EssexA beautifully reupholstered quality grey wool two-seat sofa by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjogren of Sweden. A Classic comfortable scandy cool sofa.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
- Original Sunball Chair by Gunter Ris and Ferdinand Selldorf for RosenthalBy Ris and Selldorf, RosenthalLocated in Little Burstead, EssexThis is a fully restored original version of this 1960's iconic classic astronaut's helmet style space age outdoor swivel chair, As you can imagin...Category
Mid-20th Century German Space Age Chairs
MaterialsVelvet, Fiberglass
- Finn Juhl for Soren Willadsen Model SW96 Lounge ChairBy Finn Juhl, Soren Willadsen MobelfabrikLocated in Little Burstead, EssexThis is a really beautiful original example of this scarce lounge chair, designd by Finn Juhl and produced by Soren Willadsen. The frame of the chair is Oak, the arms are Teak and th...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsCane, Oak, Teak
- Cigar Chair Model GE240 by Hans J Wegner for GetamaBy GETAMA, Hans J. WegnerLocated in Little Burstead, EssexA very nice example of this classic chair, freshly uphosltered in Mocha coloured Boucle fabric. The frame in Oak and all in great condition.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Oak
- Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofas Model '115' in Yellow Velvet UpholsteryBy Artifort, Theo RuthLocated in Waalwijk, NLTheo Ruth for Artifort, sofa model '115', fabric, wood, Netherlands, 1950s Dutch settees by Theo Ruth currently upholstered in a yellow velvet. The back of these sofas tilts slightl...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Settees
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa in Yellow and Black UpholsteryBy Artifort, Theo RuthLocated in Waalwijk, NLTheo Ruth for Artifort, sofa, fabric, wood, Netherlands 1970. A Dutch settee in a two-toned, printed fabric by Theo Ruth. The back tilts slightly backward and has the recognizable ...Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Settees
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa 109 in bouclé and oak, 1950sBy Artifort, Theo RuthLocated in ABCOUDE, UTBeautiful and rare model 109 Sofa in bouclé and oak by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1950s. This rare sofa features a sophisticated sculptural design. A comfortable and high q...Category
Vintage 1940s Sofas
MaterialsWool, Oak
- Theo Ruth f115 Sofa by Artifort, Netherlands, 1958By Theo Ruth, ArtifortLocated in Pijnacker, Zuid-HollandF115 Sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1958. These are rare pieces; amazing and sophisticated center-pieces. We also have two armchairs available. The sofa has been n...Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Theo Ruth f815 Sofa by Artifort, Netherlands, 1958By Theo Ruth, ArtifortLocated in Pijnacker, Zuid-HollandF815 sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1958. This is are rare, amazing and sophisticated center-piece. The sofa is upholstered in a wool fabric which has some fading. ...Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Congo Sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950sBy Artifort, Theo RuthLocated in Appeltern, GelderlandSofa 'Congo' by Theo Ruth for Artifort, newly upholstered with Luxury Siberian long pile faux fur upholstery fabric The Netherlands, 1950s This Congo sofa is by Theo Ruth for Artifor...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsBeech