Elling Sideboard by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, 1970s

Sculptural qualities define this object. Its form is a combination of solid shapes and negative spaces in an expressive dynamic. The relationship between them ensures a balanced composition. The careful alignment and proportions create an equilibrium, giving a sense of coherent design. Both tension and harmony create a unity.

The piece has a complex shape which is presented through a grid-like structure of wooden beams which carry the solid parts. This way, both free spaces which are a subject of their own and a significant part of the composition, stand together in a stiff, but however, playful expression with the solid parts. In spite of its rigid structure, the item appears light, due to free spaces between the elements. The piece is in its original condition, so all parts are authentic. They are done in massive beech wood. Apart from the drawers, the piece has inside shelves hidden behind pivot doors. ‘Elling’ Sideboard was designed 1919 and executed just two years after the introduction of Gerrit Rietveld’s famous Red-Blue chair. He debuted this extraordinary table in oak. It was displayed in 1920 at the Voor de Kunst in Utrecht and purchased there by the Dutch architect Piet Elling (1897-1962). This early example was tragically destroyed in a fire. The model was re-introduced in 1958 and made in a very limited quantity by one of Rietveld’s most trusted cabinetmakers, Gerard van de Groenekan (1904-1994). Gerard A. van de Groenekan began working in Gerrit Rietveld’s workshop in Utrecht in 1917 at the age of fourteen. In 1924, Rietveld decided to concentrate on architecture and left furniture production in the hands of van de Groenekan, who then continued to build many of Rietveld’s models, including older ones, under his own name. Van de Groenekan played a decisive role in the development of many designs. I think this piece blends well with many interior styles. Due to its complex shape, it proudly stands in any interior space.

Literature:

Daniele Baroni, ‘The Furniture of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld’ (B E S Pub Co, 1978), 39, 54-55.

Peter Voge, ‘The Complete Rietveld Furniture’ (Rotterdam: 010 Uitgeverij, 1993), 10, 15, 52-53.

Marijke Kuper and Ida van Zijl, ‘Gerrit Rietveld: The Complete Works 1888-1964’ (Utrecht: Centraal Museum Utrecht, 1992), 78-79.

Provenance: ‘Modern collector: Design, Tiffany Studios, and property from a Pacific Island connoisseur’ auction, 2023.