WILLY VAN DER MEEREN (Belgium, 1923-2002) for Tubax, Belgium. Pair of chairs, 1950s. Chromed metal and yellow upholstery. Measurements: 70 x 60 x 53 cm; 41 cm (seat height). This pair of Belgian chairs features elements characteristic of midcentury forms with Nordic influence. For example, the backrest has a curvature for ergonomic back support. The metal frame and flowing forms make it a pair of exquisitely crafted and highly sophisticated chairs. Willy Van der Meeren studied architecture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent and began his career working for a furniture company. He founded his own company in the 1950s, Tubax, which produced furniture for schools, offices and hospitals. He is most famous for his "301" chair, a metal folding chair that was mass-produced and used in many public buildings in Belgium. He was a member of the design group De Coene in Kortrijk and taught industrial design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent. His work has been exhibited in numerous museums and design exhibitions, including MoMA in New York.