Utrecht Chair – Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Metz & Co, 1935 Iconic Utrecht Chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1935, produced by Metz & Co. This was Rietveld’s first upholstered chair design, making it a key piece in his oeuvre. The wooden frame was executed by Gerard van den Groenekan, Rietveld’s long-time collaborator. This example dates from the early 1970s, one of the later original Metz & Co productions before production ceased in 1975. The chair is upholstered in Kvadrat Divina wool felt, colour 793 Navy, the same type of fabric used by Metz & Co during that period. In the last picture you can see the chair before reupholstery. We carefully selected the exact same colour tone as the original fabric to remain fully faithful to the original appearance. This chair was purchased by the first owner at Metz & Co in 1970. The original upholstery was too worn and damaged to preserve, therefore we chose to have it professionally reupholstered with great respect for the original design and materials. The underside of the chair has intentionally been left open. This makes it possible to clearly verify that this is an original Metz & Co production. The authenticity can be seen in the original jute webbing, the specific way the coil springs are positioned and secured, and the construction method of the frame. These structural details are characteristic of the original manufacturing process and confirm the originality of the piece." Around 1986, Cassina acquired the exclusive production rights for the Utrecht Chair, making earlier Metz & Co examples increasingly sought after by collectors. A rare and authentic collector’s piece in very good condition. Literature: Gerrit Th. Rietveld 1888–1964, Marijke Küper & Ida van Zijl, Centraal Museum, 1992 The Complete Rietveld Furniture, Peter Vöge, 010 Publishers, Rotterdam, 1993 Gerrit Rietveld, Ida van Zijl, Phaidon, 2010