Gerrit Rietveld Zig Zag chair vd Groenekan Netherlands 1973

Gerrit Thomas Rietveld

Netherlands 1888 – 1964
Architect, furniture designer

One of the most iconic chairs in modern design history is undoubtedly the Zig Zag chair, a groundbreaking creation by Gerrit Rietveld, one of the 20th century’s most influential designers and architects. Originally designed in 1932, the Zig Zag chair was a testament to Rietveld’s forward-thinking approach to form and functionality. Although Rietveld’s works were not widely appreciated during his lifetime, they gained immense recognition posthumously, largely due to their innovative and progressive nature. Rietveld’s designs were often ahead of their time, and, tragically, he never fully lived to see their success.

Crafted by his longtime carpenter, Gerard vd Groenekan, this specific example of the Zig Zag chair dates back to around 1973. Gerard vd Groenekan, who worked alongside Rietveld from 1918 until Rietveld’s death in 1964, continued to produce Rietveld’s designs even after his mentor’s passing. Rietveld’s growing posthumous fame kept vd Groenekan busy, as demand for his furniture surged after World War II when modern design became more widely embraced. The Zig Zag chair, a stunning example of Rietveld’s vision, was originally created for use in various architectural projects, showing how seamlessly his furniture integrated into his broader design philosophy.

Made from solid elmwood with brass nuts and bolts, this chair has survived remarkably well, retaining a fantastic patina that speaks to its age and history. This particular chair comes from the van Dillen family, who had a close connection with Rietveld. In 1961, Joan van Dillen and Johan van Tricht founded the architectural firm Rietveld Van Dillen van Tricht, and during this period, Joan van Dillen ordered 20 Zig Zag chairs from vd Groenekan for use in some of his private projects. Joan, who had a large family, also wished to gift the chairs to his children. This particular example belonged to Inez van Dillen, one of Joan’s children.

The chair bears the brandmark that vd Groenekan used, along with an additional stamp that was required when Cassina acquired the rights to produce Rietveld’s furniture in 1972. This makes this chair one of the last pieces produced under vd Groenekan’s meticulous craftsmanship before the rights to manufacture Rietveld’s designs officially passed to Cassina. Owning this chair is a rare opportunity to possess a piece of design history—an iconic and revolutionary piece that helped shape the development of modern furniture design. The Zig Zag chair stands as a symbol of Rietveld’s enduring legacy and the vision that far outlived his lifetime, influencing generations of designers and design lovers worldwide.

Literature; The Complete Rietveld furniture, Peter Vöge 010 publishers, page 82-83.
The Furniture of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, Baroni, page 136-137.
Gerrit Th. Rietveld, The Complete Works, Marijke Küper, Ida van Zijl, Centraal Museum Utrecht 1992, page 161.