Modernist cabinet or wardrobe, by Willy Van Der Meeren, for Tubax. Belgium, 1950s.
This model is an early example of the design which appeared in schools. It is smaller in size than either of the more common later versions, with doors of more muted shades, and these smaller pieces more rarely come to market.
The cabinet has a black metal frame with plywood sheet to sides, back and top. The metal sliding doors retain their original paint in warm tones of blue/green and grey, with long, elegant fin-shaped handles of solid wood - perhaps teak - reminiscent of the earlier designs of Perriand and Prouvé. The interior of the cabinet has three metal shelves on the right and a hanging bar on the left. Original working lock, with two new keys.
In recent years the wood and metal have been cleaned and oiled, and old surface rust has been treated, though abundant signs of age and former use remain. There is a dent to the centre of the blue door, and elsewhere there are losses to the paint finish, scratches, chips, specs of old paint, smaller dents and a few rivets appear to have been replaced; doors can be stiff. You could consider further restoration, however for us these points are all part of the age and character. If you would like more details please drop us a note here.
Approximate dimensions: H 160.2 cm x W 81 cm x D 50.3 cm, or 54.7 cm to the widest part of the door handles.
