Willem Hendrik Gispen

designer

Willem Hendrik Gispen (1890–1981) was a prominent Dutch industrial designer and entrepreneur. He began his career in the decorative wrought iron industry in Rotterdam in 1916, eventually establishing W.H. Gispen & Co. His work evolved from artisanal metalwork to mass-produced functionalist furniture under the influence of De Stijl and the Arts and Crafts movement. He is renowned for designing iconic steel-tube office furniture, lighting (Giso lamps), and chairs. In 1953, he co-founded KEMBO with Ru Meijer, a company that produced many of his most celebrated late-career designs, including pieces awarded at the Milan Triennale in 1954. His work is characterized by elegant, timeless modernism.[1]

Themes

  • Modernism
  • Steel tube furniture
  • Functionalism

Works by Willem Hendrik Gispen

  • KEMBO kollektie konsekwenties a 1969 · KEMBO MEUBELFABRIEKEN N.V. · book · Dutch Published by the company he co-founded with Ru Meijer.

Exhibitions

  • 1954 Triënnale 302 Milan Triennale, Milan group

Awards

  • 1954 Triënnale design prize Milan Triennale

References

  1. Wikipedia. 2022 link