This is an iconic bench designed by Dom Hans van der Laan in the Netherlands in 1967.
It’s eye-catching, minimalist design is highly recognizable and one of the most beautiful examples of mid-century Dutch design. It has a metal base and structure and wooden seat and back in a nice, brown colour. The bench was designed for the Abbey Church of St. Benedictusberg in the Dutch town Vaals. This makes this quality bench a true piece of (Dutch) design history!
It remains in good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Dom Hans van der Laan, originator, architect, designer. Benedictine monk and architect Hans van der Laan (1904-1991) may have had a small body of work, but his legacy is highly regarded in the world of architecture. Although he designed three monasteries and a private dwelling, it was not until he reached the age of 53 that he completed his first real design, the St Benedictusberg Abbey in Vaals of which this bench is from. The building was immediately acclaimed as his masterpiece. The greatest part of Van der Laan’s life, however, was dedicated to conceptualizing form, proportion and the way in which human beings perceive architectural spaces. He also developed the theory of plastic numbers.
