Michael van Beuren was born in New York and studied architecture at the Bauhaus under Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Josef Albers until its closure in 1933. He moved to Acapulco at the end of 1936, where he oversaw the design of the interiors of the bungalows at the renowned Flamingo Hotel in 1937, and quickly became a formative member of the Mexican Modernism movement.
By 1938, van Beuren began focusing on furniture design, working with a fellow Bauhaus colleague, Klaus Grabe, to create modern and affordable pieces. Inspired by the local culture and craftsmanship, the duo applied Bauhaus design principles to popular Mexican mainstays, such as woven reclining chaises and wooden dining chairs.
The approach was a success — Grabe, Morley Webb and van Beuren were named among the winners of a 1941 competition organized by the Museum of Modern Art that focused on designer teams from the United States and Latin America called “Organic Design in Home Furnishings.” This award catapulted them to wide renown.
In the following years, van Beuren founded his furniture label Domus, which became synonymous with well-crafted, modernist design that garnered fans both in Mexico and America. Along with his own designs, Domus also produced work by Clara Porset, a friend and contemporary of van Beuren’s. However, by 1951, the company’s move toward more mass manufacturing meant that van Beuren’s earlier designs were no longer being produced.
Find vintage Michael van Beuren furniture on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by 7710 Gallery)
Mid Century Armchair Set of 2 Pieces
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mérida, Yucatan
Modernist armchair by M. Van Beuren. These pieces are called "San Miguelito", created for indoor or outdoor terrace towards the end of 1950. This original 2-piece set is in formidabl...
Cedar
Mid Century Lounge Chair, Walnut, Leather Bordeaux
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mérida, Yucatan
Piece designed by Michel Van Beuren in the early 60s. It is an occasional lounge chair, reupholstered in cowhide (100% original) in burgundy color. With very clean and elegant design...
Leather, Walnut
Mexican Midcentury Lounge Chair, “Malinche“, 1950s
By Silleria La Malinche
Located in Mérida, Yucatan
The Malinche factory crafted hundreds of unique furniture designs from the beginning of the last century until its closure in the 1960s after ...
Leather, Elm
Modernist Cabinet by M. Van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mérida, Yucatan
Modernist cabinet by M. Van Beuren. This piece features a top drawer and a drop-down door, with multiple operating possibilities. Created in the early 1970s, this collection was name...
Oak, Cedar
Male nude, Poseidón
Located in Mérida, Yucatan
Poseidon, from the series "Dionysus' Banquet" The Nude - reflecting contemporary social standards for aesthetics and morality. Although often associated with eroticism, the nude can ...
Paper, Art Glass, Acrylic, Cedar
Brass Tray with Mosaic, by Salvador Teran, circa 1950s
By Salvador Teran
Located in Mérida, Yucatan
Brass tray with mosaic incrustations that form the stylized face of a beautiful woman. Created by Master Salvador Teran, the piece is sealed and has been cleaned to recover its wonde...
Brass
Set of Two Chairs by Michael Van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, we offer this set of two early chairs by Michael Van Beuren made in mahogany and plywood, includes brand label. About Michael Van Beuren: Michael Van Beuren (1911–2...
Mahogany
Pair of Brazilian Midcentury Modern Armchairs, Unknown Designer, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Hidden among Brazil's modern furniture heritage are pieces whose origins remain a mystery. These designs, beautifully crafted and steeped in the aesthetics of their time, are yet to ...
Hardwood, Leather
Mid Century Modern Armchair by IB Kofod-Larsen for Selig, c1960s
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step into the elegance of the 1960s with this exquisite vintage mid-century modern armchair designed by the renowned Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig. This iconic piece, previously restored...
Beech
Pair of Armchairs by Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare pair of armchair by Maison Jansen, in full metal and brown cognac leather in original conditions, circa 1940. The condition is good and stamped "JANSEN".
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Danish pair of armchair in teak model Captain 66 by Erik Buck
By Erik Buch
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Danish pair of armchair in teak model Captain 66 by Erik Buck. Original simili leather covers. Referenced by the Design Museum Danmark under number RP17808. Price ...
Leather, Teak
Pair of mid century chairs by ADRIAN PEARSALL w/foot stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and elegant pair of chairs BY ANDRIAN PEARSALL, it has the original fabric and it is in good condition, it has also the foot stool, but in different fabric, the patina of...
Walnut, Fabric
