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 Modern Woven Lounge chairs and Loveseat, circa 1960
By Michael van Beuren
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Vintage Mid-Century Modern seating set composed of two lounge chairs and one loveseat, crafted in Mexico circa 1960s. This elegant set features solid wood frames with clean, architec...
Pine, Cane
Norwegian "Siesta" Lounge Chair and Ottoman Designed by Ingmar Relling
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Genuine black leather and bentwood that gives an aesthetic definition with the typical Scandinavian narrative. Both pieces are in excellent condition, having been used very little an...
Leather, Wood, Bentwood
Don S. Shoemaker Sling Folding Armchair, 1960s Mexico
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Original design by Don S. Shoemaker, made in Santa María de Guido, Michoacán, Méx. This armchair is being offered without the leather, but it was professionally restored to bring out...
Wood
Pair of Che-Chent Rocking Chairs by Salvador Vidal
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
When ones speaks of Cancun and Isla Mujeres one always thinks of sun, sand, beaches and the ocean; the most marvelous in the world. That is exactly how it is. Years ago, a beautiful project was born in Cancún which makes us feel very proud to be natives of our caribbean, to give an identity to the area by creating a 100% native handcraft, and by giving our people the opportunity to enable themselves and develop a manual ability, even become true artists of woodwork. This is because we put all our effort into each piece of our furniture; and the best of oneself goes into its creation. We are conscious of the responsibility of representing to the world a product proudly born in Cancún. Sincerely Salvador Vidal...
Bentwood
1970s Ray Wilkes Chiclet 2-Seater for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Ray Wilkes
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Iconic MCM Ray Wilkes for Herman Miller "Chiclet" love seat or sofa. Named for the four large rectangular Chiclets gum-shaped foam elements that make up the sofa. Very comfortable, h...
Metal
Paimio Chair Style after Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
We didn't want to let them go, we generally don't have replicas in our gallery but this pair of chairs were begging to be restored. The previous owner told us that his parents acquir...
Metal
Modernist Mexican San Miguel Lounge Chair by Michael van Beuren from Luteca
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Miguel lounge chair is a timeless mid-century Mexican piece inspired by the classic Latin American Butaque chair famed by the likes of 20th Century Mexican architect Luis Barragan and Industrial Designer Clara Porset. Michael van Beuren, an American born designer trained at Germany's famous Bauhuas school, produced this award winning piece in 1941 for the MoMA's Organic Design Exhibition in New York along with it's sister-design, the Alacran Chaise...
Teak
Mexican Rocking Chair Attributed to Michael van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Ciraca 1950, we offer this Mexican rocking chair attributed to Michael van Beuren made in mahogany wood and recently professionally restored.
Wood
Michael Van Beuren Lounge Chair Bench
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based designer, Michael Van Beuren created highly functional modern pieces inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. This example, c.1950s Mex...
Rattan, Pine
Mexican San Miguelito Chair Attributed to Michael van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Mexican San Miguelito chair attributed to Michael Van Beuren, circa 1950 in primavera wood.
Wood
Iconic Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll, Model 652-W, Mid-Century Modern
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Jens Risom Model 652-W lounge chair for KnollStudio, originally designed in 1941 and still celebrated as one of the icons of mid-century modern design. This timeless piece fe...
Cotton, Wood
Mid-Century 'Costela' Lounge Chair, Design by Unknown Artist, Brazil, 1950s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
'Rib' or 'Costela Lounge Chair Design by Unknown Artist Iron and Wood Brazil, 1950s Custom upholstery will be provided free of charge.
Iron
