The original Steltman chair was upholstered in white artificial leather, designed by Gerrit Rietveld as a commission for jeweller Steltman’s store in Hague, Netherland in 1963. Rietveld designed two mirrored chairs, where clients could sit when they selected their jewellery. With a symbolic meaning – two separate, opposite forms that together form a unity. Beautiful look from every angles. The asymmetrical chair is made entirely of lines and planes. There were only two of the original. The wooden version was only built after Rietveld’s death in 1964 and constructed on the basis of Rietveld’s original 1963 drawing.
The Steltman chair is still in production in a solid wood version and upholstered version in a variety of colours by Rietveld Originals.
Rietveld’s designs were open source, releasing his drawings for people to make their own. There have been various versions of the Steltman chair created since, but there are not many vintage ones.
This piece is a one-off, constructed by a British professional cabinetmaker in his version in 1970’s, which has wooden brackets but it is still a good vintage chair in a solid pine version.
Condition: In good vintage condition. Some signs of wear consistent with age and use.