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.
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
Theo Ruth for Artifort 'Congo' Easy Chairs in Patterned Fabric
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Theo Ruth for Artifort, ‘Congo’ lounge chairs, wood, fabric, The Netherlands, 1952 Set of iconic ‘Congo’ easy chairs by Theo Ruth. These chairs have a unique construction, forced by...
Fabric, Beech
Claude Vassal Lounge Chair in Duo-Tone Upholstery
By Claude Vassal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, in beech, metal and fabric, by Claude Vassal, France, 1950s. A modern armchair in black and red upholstery. These chairs show an interesting combination of materials ...
Metal
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno Lounge Chair in Chenille
By Eugenio Gerli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, 'Sir' easy chair, model 'P73', wood, reupholstered in 'Marabou' chenille by Dedar Milano, Italy, design/production 1966 Eugenio Gerli's design, model P73, e...
Fabric, Wood
1950s Augusto Magnaghi and Mario Terzaghi Lounge Chair
By Augusto Magnaghi, Mario Terzaghi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Augusto Magnaghi & Mario Terzaghi for F.B.G. Meda, armchair, original purple multicolored fabric upholstery, brass and lacquered metal, Italy, 1950s. This Italian easy chair, design...
Metal, Brass
Studio APA for Lenzi Lounge Chair in Red Upholstery
By Lenzi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio APA for Lenzi, club chair model 'M538', fabric, metal, brass, Italy, 1960s This dynamic armchair originates from Italy and features a well-proportioned construction of sharp ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Lounge Chair in Walnut and Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Easy chair, walnut, faux leather, Italy 1950s Beautiful Italian armchair dating back in the 1950s, featuring a delicate, sculptural frame with gracious forms. Wits its splendid curv...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Congo Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950s
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Congo Chair, designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort. Iconic Dutch design from the 50s. The back and the seater are 2 separate pieces that easily fits togethe...
Fabric, Wood
Congo Chair by Theo Ruth for ARTIFORT, Netherlands – 1952
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Iconic Congo chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands - 1952. Designer: Theo Ruth Manufacturer: Artifort Model: Lounge chair Design period...
Fabric, Wood
Congo Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950s
By Theo Ruth
Located in Wien, AT
Beautiful Theo Ruth ''Congo'' lounge chair for Artifort, Netherlands, 1950s. This iconic design takes inspiration from traditional African tribal chairs...
Wool, Cherry
Artifort lounge chair by Theo Ruth The Netherlands, 1950s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Delft, NL
Artifort lounge chair by Theo Ruth The Netherlands, 1950s A lounge chair with a highly winged back and 3 rows buttons The upholstery is a brown and black woven fabric The measurem...
Fabric, Wood
Artifort 410 Chair by Theo Ruth, 1950s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing Artifort model 410 Chair. This comfortable chair is designed by Theo Ruth in the beginning of the 50's. This original chair is completely restored with new fabric and new fo...
Fabric
975 Lounge Chair by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, 1970s
By Geoffrey Harcourt, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very cute and comfortable 975 Lounge Chair designed by the famous Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort in the 70's. Solid frame with a pivoting foot. The chair has the original high qua...
Metal
Gunnel Nyman was known as a glass artist, but this piece is a striking example of her early training in furniture design.
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
