Theo Ruth Settees
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.
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Settees
Fabric, Wood
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Fabric, Wood
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Steel
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Wood
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Metal
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Metal
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Metal
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Theo Ruth Settees
Brass
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Settees
Beech
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Settees
Fabric, Rattan
1930s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Metal
20th Century Theo Ruth Settees
Fabric, Wood
1950s Dutch Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Beech
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Settees
Wool, Alpaca, Wood
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Settees
Leather
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Unknown French Provincial Theo Ruth Settees
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Settees
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Theo Ruth Settees
Fabric, Wood
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Beech, Fabric
1950s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Vintage Theo Ruth Settees
Upholstery