Among the pantheon of talented individuals who have worked for Artifort, Theo Ruth was the acclaimed Dutch furniture manufacturer’s first permanent designer. Ruth’s work significantly advanced Artifort’s laudable reputation, specifically through his designs for armchairs like the 1952 Congo chair and the 1953 Penguin chair.
Ruth was born in 1915 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, where Artifort was established. Founded by Jules Wagemans, Artifort began as Wagemans & Van Tuinen in 1890 before rebranding to Artifort in 1928. Ruth studied furniture and interior design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht and joined the Artifort team in 1936.
Ruth’s long tenure as its head of design and development included overseeing the hiring of key individuals like Artifort’s aesthetic consultant and designer Kho Liang Ie, British furniture designer Geoffrey D. Harcourt RDI and French interior designer Pierre Paulin RDI.
Following Ruth’s death in 1971, Artifort has carried on his legacy of innovative furniture through collaborations with numerous top designers, such as Jasper Morrison, Wolfgang C.R. Mezger, René Holten, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Ilse Crawford and Luca Nichetto.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Theo Ruth seating, including lounge chairs, sofas and more.
Ib Kofod Larsen Model 70-15 Occasional Chair for Selig, c. 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Denver, CO
A hard-to-find, rare Model 70-15 Occasional Chair Designed by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig. This single chair is in fabulous condition. It features a Teak frame with no scratching, fadi...
Silk, Upholstery, Foam, Teak
Rare Single Armchair Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Denver, CO
Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, this chair is a unique and very hard-to-find item. It features a single arm that curves across the back with two carved walnut panel...
Upholstery, Foam, Walnut
Vintage Velvet Bent Wood Rocking Chair and Ottoman by BioForm
Located in Denver, CO
Post 1950s, believed to be 1970s Manufactured by BioForm Seating Systems Solid bentwood frame. Two area of small wear and a few very light scratches consistent with age. (see p...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Laminate, Wood, Bentwood
Vintage Petite Steel Frame Slipper Chair, New Upholstery
Located in Denver, CO
Believed to be from the 1960's due to the style of the original vinyl upholstery (not pictured). This petite chair has a light bounce to it due to the cantilevered seat design. The...
Steel
Jean Prouvé Antony Chairs, 2002 Vitra edition. with original tags, Set of 2
By Vitra, Jean Prouvé
Located in Denver, CO
These chairs are a very sought after set of Antony Chairs originally designed in 1950 by French Architect Jean Prouvé, released via license by Vitra USA on behalf of the Prouvé famil...
Steel
Italian Rattan Armchair, circa 1960
Located in Denver, CO
Midcentury, Italian chair Bent Rattan and woven Manilla grassa frame Minor flaking of the clear coat on the back of the chair (see images) No structural damage or large cracks of...
Rattan
1950s Theo Ruth Wingback Lounge Chair for Artifort in Beige Mohair
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century wingback lounge chair designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort, dating to the 1950s. Somewhat recently upholstered fully in beige mohair, the rounded high back rises to g...
Mohair, Upholstery, Wood
High-Back Teak Armchair by Hartmut Lohmeyer, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
By Hartmut Lohmeyer, Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl, Wilkhahn, Coco Chanel
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
A superb high-back Mid-Century Modern lounge armchair designed by Hartmut Lohmeyer and produced in Germany by Wilkhahn. A contemporary of works by Finn Juhl, Grete Jalk and Hans J. W...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Danish Modern Late 1950's Lounge Chair with Teak Accents
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful late 1950's or classic danish modern lounge chair on tapered teak legs. The angled back rest and thick padded seating offer maximum comfort. A sleek and sturdy design with ...
Wool, Teak
20th Century Beige Armchair, 300-227 Type, 1960s, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Armchair type 300-227, unusual model but captivating with its minimalism. Construction without armrests, turned legs made of beech timber. These armchairs were manufactured in the 19...
Textile, Beech
Warm Beige TMBO Lounge Chair BUTE/Storr Fabric Upholstery by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Warm Beige TMBO Lounge Chair BUTE/Storr Fabric Upholstery by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 90 x D 68.5 x H 87 cm Materials: Oak, textile Also available: ROMO/Linara, DAW/Royal, KVADRAT/Remix, KVADRAT/Hallingdal & Fiord, DEDAR/Linear, DAW/Mohair & Mcnutt, Sheepskin 1935 is the date on the first draft of this chair by the renowned multitalent and architect Magnus Læssøe Stephensen, which have now been revived under the name TMBO. The TMBO series was designed in a shape that, in the laid back confident attitude, celebrates life with the same dramatic simplicity that Magnus Læssøe Stephensen found in Japanese design tradition. The TMBO Chair...
Other
Mid-Century Slipper Chair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Walnut & Tan
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century slipper / side chair with textured tan fabric upholstery and a walnut frame resting on four gently curved and tapered legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBI...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
