Modernist vintage umbrella stand by Josef Hoffmann for Bieffeplast, 1970s

This modernist square umbrella stand of white powder-coated metal is a rare design classic, from the renowned Josef Hoffmann for Bieffeplast. A square basket, with hundred of tiny square holes, is suspended from a white frame. At the base is a rich purple metal holder. This piece provides an crisp solution to umbrella storage, and is a must have for any design-conscious home. Josef Hoffmann was born in the Czech Republic in 1870, and would go on to be influential in the field of design, despite training as an architect. He and his Wiener Werkstätte were at the forefront of a new way of design: one of simple and sleek geometric lines. His love of small squares even earned Hoffmann the nickname Quadratl Hoffmann, or “Square Hoffmann”. He would go on to influence design powerhouses such as Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, and Gio Ponti. The Italian design company Bieffeplast won the rights to reproduce his work in the 1970s, and this particular piece was one of them. CREATOR: Josef Hoffmann PLACE OF ORIGIN: France DATE OF MANUFACTURE: c. late 1960’s PERIOD: 1965 - 1975 MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES: Powder-coated metal CONDITION: Good original condition WEAR: Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor patina and scratches on the purple umbrella base.. HEIGHT: 52cm 20.4in WIDTH : 20cm 7.8in DEPTH: 20cm 7.8in