Congo Sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Height: 30.71 in (78 cm)Width: 55.12 in (140 cm)Depth: 30.71 in (78 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Appeltern, NL
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Appeltern, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Congo & Pinguin Lounge Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, the Netherlands, 1957By Theo Ruth, ArtifortLocated in Appeltern, GelderlandBeautiful set of “Congo” and “Pinguin”lounge chairs designed by Theo Ruth and manufactured by Artifort, The Netherlands 1957. Elegant design because of the beautiful cherrywooden leg...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWool, Wood
- 3-Seater Sofa C610 by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, Netherlands, 1969By Geoffrey Harcourt, ArtifortLocated in Appeltern, GelderlandBeautiful design classic sofa with cognac leather upholstery. The sofa is in vintage condition, the leather shows its age with patina scratches and cracks, but no tears.Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Sofa by G. van Os for Van Os Culemborg, 1950sBy Van Oss CulemborgLocated in Appeltern, GelderlandA rare and beautifully shaped lounge sofa made by van Os Culemborg, the Netherlands. Designed by G. van Os during the 1950s. This sofa has nicely shaped armre...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsWool
- Sofa/ Daybed by Rob Parry for Gelderland, Netherlands, 1950sBy Rob Parry, GelderlandLocated in Appeltern, GelderlandThis sofa is designed by Rob Parry and produced by Gelderland. This specific design with upholstered armrests is quite rare. The seating part of the sofa can easily be pulled into a ...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Marsala Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1970sBy Ligne Roset, Michel DucaroyLocated in Appeltern, GelderlandFamous Marsala Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1970s. It is composed of a brown thermoformed Plexiglas structure on which rests two large foam cushions covered with thick san...Category
Mid-20th Century French Space Age Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Plexiglass
- 50s Mid Century Dutch Design Sofa for De Ster GelderlandBy De Ster GelderlandLocated in Appeltern, GelderlandVintage de Ster Gelderland sofa with teak frame in organic design and elegant armrests. New high quality foam with new upholstery in blue melange. ...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsTeak
- Artifort Theo Ruth Cocktail Sofa, Netherlands, 1950sBy Theo Ruth, ArtifortLocated in Voorburg, NLBeautiful Artifort cocktail sofa, designed by Theo Ruth in the early fifties. The sofa is in unique condition with beautiful snow-white alcantara uphols...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Beech
- Mid Century 2-Seat Sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950sBy Artifort, Theo RuthLocated in Oud Beijerland, NLStunning Mid-Century Modern 2-seat sofa, designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort in the 50s. This lovely sofa is just restored with new Italian bouclé fabric, it is in perfect conditio...Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Congo Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950sBy Artifort, Theo RuthLocated in Oud Beijerland, NLStunning Mid-Century Modern Congo Chair, designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort. Iconic Dutch design from the 50s. The back and the seater are 2 separate pieces that easily fits togethe...Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa 109 in bouclé and oak, 1950sBy Theo Ruth, ArtifortLocated 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
- 1940s Sofa Set by Theo Ruth for ArtifortBy Artifort, Theo RuthLocated in HEVERLEE, BEVery 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
Vintage 1940s Dutch Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Oak
- Theo Ruth Mid Century Sofa for Artifort 1956By Theo Ruth, ArtifortLocated in Tilburg, NLThis 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 Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood