F1 Armchair – Willy Van Der Meeren for Tubax

• Willy Van Der Meeren for Tubax publisher, F1 armchair, circa 1955.
• Black lacquered steel frame, original green faux leather seat.
• An iconic model of post-war Belgian design.
• H 68 cm × D 61 cm × W 49 cm.
• Seat height: 40 cm.
• Very good condition, light signs of use.

The F1 armchair by Willy Van Der Meeren, produced by Tubax in the early 1950s, features a direct design where the metal structure dictates its overall form and function.

A clear and controlled structure

The F1 model features a tubular steel frame, whose continuous lines define the base, armrests, and seat frame. This visible construction lends the armchair great clarity, with each element’s function immediately apparent.

The seat and backrest, simply attached to this structure, introduce a contrast between the rigidity of the metal and the upholstery’s flexibility. This interplay of tension and comfort is a characteristic balance of the model.

The design is also distinguished by its economy of lines. Sections are slender, proportions contained, and the overall piece retains a certain visual lightness despite the use of robust materials. This restraint contributes to the armchair’s identity, without seeking overt effect.

The integration of the armrests, continuing from the frame, reinforces the structural coherence and contributes to the overall stability. This principle, both simple and effective, demonstrates a design where form directly stems from technical constraints.

In this version, the original green upholstery accentuates the perception of volumes and highlights the contrast with the black structure. It provides a more assertive presence in the space, while respecting the model’s overall balance.

The F1 armchair stands today as a prime example of Belgian modernist design, where constructive clarity and formal sobriety combine in an object built to last.

Bibliography:
– Mil De Kooning, Willy Van Der Meeren. Furniture Design , 2007.
– Ghent University, research on Tubax and post-war Belgian design.