Dutch Modernism is a movement in architecture and design emerged in the early 20th century. It had a significant impact on the visual landscape of the Netherlands. From the stunning buildings of the Amsterdamse School to the emphasis on traditional craftsmanship in the Bossche School. Dutch Modernism was a vibrant and dynamic movement that embraced a range of styles and approaches.
The Bossche School: A Focus on Craftsmanship
The Bossche School was a movement that emerged in the 1910s and 1920s. It centered around the Dutch city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. This movement was known for its emphasis on craftsmanship and traditional techniques. Also, it focused on incorporating regional materials and styles into modern designs. Iconic architect and designer Dom Hans van der Laan is considered the founder of this movement. You can read more about his work in our earlier blog post!
The Amsterdamse School: Embracing Expressionism
The Amsterdamse School, on the other hand, was a movement that emerged in the early 20th century in Amsterdam. This movement was characterized by its embrace of expressionism and a departure from traditional architectural forms. Key features of Amsterdamse School buildings include asymmetrical facades, rounded shapes, and decorative elements such as ornate brickwork and stained glass. Architects associated with the Amsterdamse School include Michel de Klerk and Piet Kramer.
Gerrit Rietveld: A Pioneer of Modern Furniture Design
One of the most significant figures in Dutch Modernism is Gerrit Rietveld, a designer and architect who played a key role in the De Stijl movement. Rietveld was known for his minimalist approach to design. Consequently emphasizing on simple shapes and primary colors. For example, his most famous work is likely the Red and Blue Chair.This was designed in 1917 and is now considered an icon of modern furniture design.
Willem Dijsselhof: A Multitalented Designer
Another important figure in Dutch Modernism is Willem Dijsselhof, who worked across a range of mediums including furniture design. Dijsselhof was a key member of the Arts and Crafts movement in the Netherlands, which emphasized the importance of handmade goods and traditional craftsmanship. His work is characterized by its intricate patterns and attention to detail.
In conclusion, Dutch Modernism is a fascinating movement that encompasses a range of styles and approaches to design. From the emphasis on craftsmanship in the Bossche School to the expressionist forms of the Amsterdamse School, this movement has had a lasting impact on Dutch architecture and design. The work of designers such as Gerrit Rietveld and Willem Dijsselhof continue to inspire and influence modern designers today.
Galerie Gaudium proudly presents the new exhibition: “The Colour of Spring”. To celebrate spring, beautiful pieces of vintage design furniture and lighting will be on display along with the unique works of Dutch artists Harry Gijsberts and Guido Schneider.
About the exhibition
The striking “Loop Chair” by Sophie de Vocht, with its extremely coarse yarn is an appealing and colorful appearance with a unique seating comfort. An exhibition that celebrates spring can’t miss other iconic pieces like the “Tulip Chairs” by Eero Saarinen and the “Tulipan” chandelier by Austrian maker Kalmar. It’s the combination of colours and fitting themes that makes the selected pieces so fitting for the theme!
These and more special pieces are complimented by the beautiful works of Harry Gijsberts and Guido Schneider. Gijsberts’ colourful, coarse and relief-like paintings create a lovely contrast with the modern designed furniture. Schneider’s marble sculptures range from abstract to human torsos, all beautifully streamlined and shaped. The subtle, sophisticated touch of erotica is very fitting for the spring feeling!
About The artists
Harry Gijsberts is an artist from the heart of Amsterdam. The use of color, large brushstrokes and a variety of subjects distinguishes his work. You can now admire his relief-like works of art in our Gallery! Harry is a modest yet passionate artist who wants nothing more than to paint all day. Harry Gijsberts makes landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, animals and portraits. Usually in thick oil paint, alternately with brush, palette knife, branches or pieces of rubber.
Working with stone is Guido Schneider’s specialization. He makes beautiful, streamlined works of mainly human torsos, sometimes with a touch of eroticism. In his early years the sculptures represented animals, flowers, heads and some abstract works. He has now focused on human torsos. His work always touches reality. We are proud to display some of teir fantastic work at Galerie Gaudium!
Visit our gallery to experience spring through the eyes of iconic designers and exceptional artists and get inspired. The exhibition is open on Friday and Saturday from 13:00 to 18:00.
Danish furniture designer Poul Kjaerholm was one of the leading figures of the Danish Modern movement, and his iconic PK22 chair is a masterpiece of mid-century modern design. First introduced in 1956, the PK22 is still sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts today. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and details of this iconic chair.
Poul Kjaerholm
Poul Kjaerholm was born in Denmark in 1929 and trained as a cabinetmaker before studying furniture design at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. He later became a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, where he mentored a generation of young designers. Kjaerholm characterized his designs by their simplicity, elegance, and use of high-quality materials, such as steel and leather.
History of the PK22
The work of the German designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe inspired Poul Kjaerholm to design the PK22 chair. Kjaerholm wanted to create a chair that was both elegant and functional, and he believed that using these materials would achieve that goal. The PK22 chair is a prime example of Kjaerholm’s ability to combine form and function in his designs.
Kjaerholm’s design philosophy is embodied in this iconic design. The chair features a minimalist steel frame with a curved backrest and upholstered seat and back. The PK22 was first produced by Danish furniture manufacturer E. Kold Christensen, which closed in 1982. Danish design company Fritz Hansen, which acquired the rights to Kjaerholm’s designs in 2002, produces the PK22 today. However, some vintage PK22 chairs produced by E Kold Christensen are still available on the market and highly sought after by collectors.
Exceptional minimalist quality
The PK22 chair is a rare and sought-after piece of mid-century modern design for several reasons. First, the chair’s minimalist design and use of high-quality materials make it a timeless piece of furniture that can fit in any modern interior. Secondly, the production of the chair by E Kold Christensen was limited, making vintage PK22 chairs rare and valuable. Third, the PK22’s design is protected by copyright, making it difficult for other manufacturers to produce exact replicas of the chair. But most of all, the piece is a truly stunning addition to the decor that combines quality, comfort and style.
The PK22 chair is a masterpiece of Danish modern design that embodies the simplicity, elegance, and use of high-quality materials that characterized Poul Kjaerholm’s work. The chair’s minimalist design, production by limited manufacturers, and protection by copyright make it a rare and sought-after piece of mid-century modern design that collectors and design enthusiasts continue to covet. If you’re a fan of mid-century modern design, the PK22 chair is a must-have for your collection.
We are proud to say that we regularly have these exceptional chairs in stock. Keep an eye out on our website and maybe you will soon have a chance to acquire one of these iconic pieces!
Dom Hans Van der Laan was a Dutch Benedictine monk who became an architect and designer in the mid-20th century. Born in 1904 in the Netherlands, Van der Laan grew up in a family of architects and builders, which would later influence his career as an architect and designer.
Early Carreer
Van der Laan eventually became a member of the Benedictine monastery in Vaals, in the south of the Netherlands. He began to incorporate his ideas about architecture and design into the monastery’s buildings. His work soon became influential in the Bossche School movement!
Van der Laan became interested in the architectural style known as the Bossche School. This movement uses of traditional materials and forms, as well as its emphasis on functionality and simplicity. He was particularly drawn to the work of architect Jan de Jong. De Jong was a leading figure in the Bossche School movement.
The Plastic Number
Van der Laan’s approach to architecture and design was based on a system of proportion and measurement. It is called the “plastic number.” He believed that this was an ideal proportion for creating harmonious and balanced designs while emphasizing functionality and simplicity.
This proportion can be applied to a wide range of design elements. From the overall shape of a building to the size of individual components like windows and doors. He saw it as a way to balance the competing demands of function and aesthetics. This allowed architects and designers to create structures that were both beautiful and functional.
In addition to the plastic number, van der Laan also developed a system of measurement called the “module,”. This is a standard unit of measurement based on the plastic number. The module allows architects and designers to create designs that are harmonious and proportional, regardless of their size or scale.
Van der Laan’s system of proportion and measurement was a practical tool for architects and designers. It was also a philosophical approach to design! He believed that by following a system , architects and designers could create buildings and spaces that were not only functional, but also beautiful and meaningful.
Today, the plastic number and the module are still used by architects and designers. Van der Laan’s work still inspires many! They are seen as a powerful tool for creating balanced designs. They are also a way to connect modern architecture with the traditional principles of proportion and harmony.
The Monastery in Vaals
Van der Laan’s influence on the Bossche School movement can be seen in his designs for the monastery in Vaals. His work was characterized by its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and harmony. And of course the use of traditional materials and forms.
Despite his success as an architect and designer, van der Laan remained committed to his life as a monk. He continued to live and work in the monastery in Vaals until his death in 1991. He left behind a legacy of architectural and design excellence that continues to inspire and influence designers today!
The influence of Dom Hans van der Laan on the Bossche School movement was significant and enduring. His emphasis on harmony, proportion, and functionality, as well as his use of traditional materials and forms, helped to shape the movement and establish it as a distinctive and influential architectural style. Today, his work remains an inspiration to architects and designers around the world. His legacy continues to be felt in the buildings and structures that he helped to create.
Browse our collection of impressive and rare Dom Hans van der Laan pieces here!
We are very proud to have a few art prints by Dutch advertising artist Reyn Dirksen added to our collection. This is a brief history of an iconic Dutch artist!
Early life
Reyn Dirksen (Haarlem 1924 – Amsterdam 1999) studied at the Institute of Applied Arts Education, which is now the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. Here he met his wife Loes Dirksen, who later became a well known fashion designer.
After the war, he earned his living designing stationery, logos and advertisements. He soon designed his first poster “Coffee and tea” for Albert Heijn.
Carreer
Since then, he has created dozens of posters for a wide range of products. Many large companies as well as the municipality of Amsterdam made use of his design talent. For Amsterdam, he made a lot of posters for events, of which the most famous ones include HISWA, Fashion week, KLM and Schiphol, Heineken, Bols, Verkade, Rizla, Holland-America and Dutch Railways, Red Cross, etc.
Awards
His most sought-after fairground posters, such as the LUNAPARK, also date from that time and have become a real collector’s item. This includes the famous “All Colours tot he Mast” poster that was designed for the “Intra-European Cooperation for a Better Standard of Living Poster” by the George C. Marshall foundation. It was picked as the winner out of more then 10.000 designs from all over the world! The poster was seen as a visual metaphor of the poverty in Europe during and after the Second World War and the value of uniting the European countries, like a ship in raging water.
After this he won many more awards. In the seventies, with the rise of photography, Dirksen decided to stop working as a designer. He was inspired by American free painting and dedicated his last years to painting. He made colourful abstract paintings. Because he hated exhibiting in public spaces, his work has remained unknown to the general public. His second passion was designing and building tugboat models, which he
had drawn so many times for his posters in the past.
After a serious cerebral infarction, he spent his last days in a home in Haarlem. In 1999, Reyn Dirksen passed away.
Our collection
We are very proud to present our collection of Reyn Dirksen artworks. We have posters from Lunapark, Fashion Week, the Dutch railways and several shipping lines. They are all made in his eye-catching and most recognizable style. A fantastic opportunity to draw the attention in the decor with a unique piece of Dutch art history!
