Cees Braakman was an outstanding Dutch furniture designer known for his innovative and functional designs in the mid-century style. Born on August 19, 1917 in Utrecht, Netherlands, he followed in the footsteps of his father, who was also a furniture designer. After graduating from the Academy of Industrial Design in Amsterdam in 1937, Braakman began his career at the famous furniture factory UMS Pastoe, founded by his father.
Under Braakman's leadership as Pastoe's chief designer in the 1940s and 1950s, the company experienced a heyday of design. He was instrumental in establishing Pastoe as a leading brand for modern and innovative furniture design. His designs were characterized by clear lines, minimalist design and high functionality.
Braakman was a pioneer of modular furniture design, experimenting with new materials such as plywood and plastic. His most famous work is the "Japanese Series", a collection of furniture inspired by traditional Japanese design elements and known for its elegance and simplicity.
In addition, Braakman designed a variety of other furniture pieces for Pastoe, including cabinets, tables and chairs, all reflecting his signature style and attention to detail. His work has had a lasting influence on the furniture design of his time and is still valued today for its timeless beauty and functionality.
Cees Braakman passed away on October 17, 1995, but his legacy as one of the most important furniture designers of his generation lives on in his groundbreaking designs and groundbreaking work for Pastoe. His furniture is a sought-after collector's item and is appreciated by modern design lovers around the world.
