Theo Ruth – Congo chair for Artifort, 1950s

The Congo Chair, model 1001, was designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort in 1952. The design is inspired by traditional African chairs, where two separate wooden parts are joined together using weight and heaviness, creating a solid and comfortable seating experience. When you sit in the chair, the parts lock together, forming a strong construction.

This chair from the 1950s appears in good vintage condition with age-appropriate signs of wear. The fabric has light patina and minor color differences, but the chair is both robust and fully functional. The cover is in green wool fabric from Ploeg, and the chair is upholstered with the original upholstery consisting of metal springs, jute, horsehair and foam. The frame is made of beech wood.

A rare and distinctive classic that represents an important era in Dutch furniture design.

Details

• Designer: Theo Ruth

• Manufacturer: Artifort

• Model: Congo Chair (Model 1001)

• Country of origin: Netherlands

• Materials: Beech wood, wool (Ploeg fabric), metal springs, jute, horsehair, foam

• Color: Green

• Condition: Good with minor signs of wear and slightly patinated fabric.

Goals

• Height: 85 cm

• Width: 56 cm

• Depth: 81 cm

• Seat height: 39 cm