Michael Manes, president of the nationally established M2L Collection, and long at the forefront of introducing cutting-edge modern design to the American market, is again setting a new standard in defining design with Iconic Finds Holland, a traveling exhibit that shines the spotlight on the Netherlands.
On exhibit at the M2L showroom at 3334 Cady’s Alley in Washington, DC from October 16–31, 2008 between the weekday hours of 10am-6pm and on Saturdays from 12am-5pm, this colorful and visual timeline display – a mix of furniture and graphics, highlights little known iconic modern masterworks from Holland, spanning from the twenties to today. “At M2L we believe the true test of great design is the timelessness of a product,” says Manes, “and this exhibit really expresses that type of design staying power.”
Curated by Manes, art directed by Maiarelli Studio and including decade-by-decade text written by design journalist Jen Renzi, Iconic Finds Holland first premiered in New York City’s Meatpacking District during Design Week in May. Following Boston, it will travel to the M2L showroom in Washington, DC Products featured include works by Rietveld, Gispen, Montis, Artifort and Arco, some of which had, before New York, never been on view in the U.S.
According to Manes, “Many people only think of lasting design coming from Italy or Scandinavia and I’m thrilled to present Dutch manufacturers, who over the years have consistently invested in great design.”
Ries Seijer, Rietveld’s great-grandson and the director of Rietveld by Rietveld, a family foundation dedicated to re-introducing classic Rietveld works along with newer pieces says, “The collection represents works from the early days of Rietveld’s designs, with the Berlin from the ¢20s, to the Steltman, which he designed in 1963, a year before his death. New York was our first showing in the United States, which was very exciting. After our great reception there, we are very happy to introduce the pieces to the DC audience.”
Pieces newly introduced to the American market:
Berlin by Gerrit Rietveld
Now commonly referred to as the “Plank,” the Berlin chair was so named because it was specially designed by Rietveld and Huszar for the Berlin show exposition room in 1923. The chair features two revolutionary design concepts for its time: asymmetry and flat panel construction.
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Crate Chair Junior by Gerrit Rietveld
Gerrit Rietveld made his first crate furniture in 1934, using the crate wood that was usually used as packaging material. The Crate Chair was sold as an assembly kit and available in a variety of colors. The Junior Crate Chair is a special version by Rietveld by Rietveld, in which the original proportions have been reduced by a third. The chairs have been made of solid beech wood, which is of higher quality and longer lasting.
Mondial by Gerrit Rietveld
The Mondial chair was designed as a “chair for the people” by Gerrit Rietveld in 1957. The sleek, minimalist line of the Mondial forms a simple K-profile. Designed as a stackable chair, its back, seat, legs and optional armrests come together at one central torsion tube. The back and the seat are pressed out of an aluminum sheet and joined by poprivets. The armrest is part bakelite, while the frame is constructed from a bent steel sheet. The caps on the legs are in black PVC. Launched at the Milan Biennale and celebrated at the World Exhibition in Brussels, this award-winning design was ahead of its time. Mondial is now produced to Rietveld’s original specification using state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques.
Steltman by Gerrit Rietveld
The asymmetrical Steltman chair, designed in 1963 for the Steltman jewelry house in The Hague, has the open composition of horizontals and verticals so characteristic of Rietveld. The Steltman is available both in a left-handed and a right-handed design, in a white stain wash and a clear varnish version.
Arco Pivot by Shay Alkalay of Raw Edges
A clever and innovative cabinet made of solid wood and built on tall legs. Its unique drawers pivot out rather than slide, making it possible to open both at one time. Available in: lacquer, solid oak, solid American walnut.
Other iconic highlights from the exhibit included:
Gispen 412 by W. H. Gispen
Ribbon by Pierre Paulin
Cleopatra by Geoffrey Hartcourt
Butterfly by Gerard Van Den Berg
Loge & Ottoman by Gerard Van Den Berg
Windy by Gijs Papavione
Hugo Chair by Simon Pengelly |
