228 - Gijs Bakker (born in 1942)

Gijs Bakker (born in 1942) Foyer Chair Pair of chairs Metal, laminated beech, upholstery Date of creation: 1989, Netherlands H86.6 W46.5 D42.5 HA45 cm Good vintage condition, consistent with their use in their original setting, the “De Lieve Vrouw” theater in Amersfoort. The chairs bear the marks of their history and use, including signs of wear and chips in the black finish of the metal frames. Please refer to the photographs for more details. Designed by Dutch designer Gijs Bakker in 1989 for the lobby of the “De Lieve Vrouw” theater in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. This is a pair of chairs with an architectural aesthetic, combining geometric black metal frames with distinctive oval backrests made of beech plywood, featuring burgundy-colored upholstered seats. The chairs are designed as mirror images of one another; they can thus be arranged individually, placed side by side to form a compact two-seater bench, or combined in various configurations. This versatility lends the design a dimension that is both playful and architectural. Another notable feature is an exposed spring mechanism integrated into each backrest, allowing the wooden panel to flex slightly backward when one leans against it. This ingenious design offers a degree of comfort while forming an integral part of the chair’s visual identity. The contrast between the geometric precision of the steel frames, the organic shape of the oval backrests, and the upholstered seats reflects Gijs Bakker’s experimental approach to furniture design. Reference: Gijs Bakker, Foyer Chair, 1989, the designer’s official website