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Michael van Beuren Mexican Modernist Pine & Natural Fiber Bar Cart, 1940s
$7,500
£5,703.42
€6,578.62
CA$10,506.13
A$11,758.43
CHF 6,139.74
MX$143,453.57
NOK 77,935.91
SEK 73,956.38
DKK 49,126.01
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About the Item
This early piece of Mexican modernist design by Michael van Beuren is the first example to come to market. This bar cart or "Service Cart" was likely only one of a few that were ever made and is constructed of blackened metal, Mexican pine wood, and woven natural fiber (palm frond, to be exact), with new glass toppers on each shelf. The simple yet sophisticated undulating design of the cart is reminiscent of Jean Royere and this cart definitely gives off a French vibe, though it was made around 1942 in Mexico. Van Beuren was a trained bauhaus designer and so his pieces tend to ice a marriage of both the bauhaus and Mexican aesthetics. This museum worthy artifact has been lightly restored back to usable condition. Because of the thin, delicate form and the wonky, 80 year old, handmade wood wheels, the cart has a very slight wobble to it, but it is totally sturdy and ready for use. The woven natural fiber is totally original without any breaks and glows with warmth. The metal frame has lovely smooth patina throughout. The wood wheels have their original black painted finish which is fading down to the raw pine in spots, adding so much character. Original natural fiber is strongly snaked around the carts handle. This too shows stunning patina. Honestly, this piece is an incredible display of patina through and through.
- Creator:Michael van Beuren (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 38.5 in (97.79 cm)Depth: 15.75 in (40.01 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1942
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. The piece has been professionally stabilized, cleaned and lightly oiled. The glass toppers are new.
- Seller Location:Coronado, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8105239122542
Michael van Beuren
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)
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