Friso Kramer Modular Shelving System for De Bijenkorf, Asmeta, 1953

Designed by Friso Kramer in 1953, this modular shelving system was manufactured by Asmeta Holland. It was created for the Dutch department store De Bijenkorf, one of the Netherlands’ leading high-end department stores at that time. The commission for this shelving system came from Martin Visser. At the time, he was responsible for the furniture department at De Bijenkorf. Visser was a very important figure in the post-war renewal of Dutch interiors. He replaced traditional period-style furniture with modern, functional design. De Bijenkorf had a strong connection with design, architecture and modern art. Its store buildings, for instance, were designed by prominent architects such as Marcel Breuer, Willem Dudok and, later, Gio Ponti. Kramer designed a strikingly simple and modern structure made of lacquered metal. The light yellow and dark blue-grey panels echo the color palette De Bijenkorf used at the time. The combination of these cheerful colors and the rational grid transforms the wall system into a beautiful graphic composition. This shelving unit is sturdy and stable. It remains in good vintage condition, with wear consistend with age and use.