De Coene Showcase in Glass, Steel and Teak

De Coene, showcase, teak, steel, glass, Belgium, 1960s

Modernist showcase with lockable doors, accompanied with a steel frame and wooden shelf. The vitrine features the Brutalist characteristics of De Coene. The showcase was originally designed for a governmental building in Brussels. The Kunstwerkstede De Coene was invited to design the interior project in the late 1950s-1960s. De Coene designed several high-quality pieces exclusively for this building, among others these vitrines. For the design of these pieces, De Coene was inspired by the previous furniture in this building, which were designed by master designer Jules Wabbes. This is reflected for example in the steel frame.

De Coene was founded in 1887 in Kortrijk (Belgium) by Jozef de Coene, who was at that time 13 years old. In 1895, his younger brother Adolphe joined the company. In their early years, De Coene was inspired by Henry van de Velde, Art Deco and the Arts & Crafts movement. The company made many custom made furnishings which leads to an expansive growth. After world war one, the brother visited the United States where they became acquainted with laminated wood production, and purchased a wood-stripping machine. They were the first company that made triplex in Belgium which led to the ability to mass produce. In 1954 they received the right to produce Knoll furniture. But although the company produced on a large-scale, their were still world famous for their meticulously detailed, high-quality and Art Deco inspired furniture.

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