Cees Braakman for Pastoe Modular Teak Bookcase, Made to Measure Series, Netherlands 1950s
A three-tier modular bookcase designed by Cees Braakman for UMS Pastoe as part of the iconic Made to Measure series, the Netherlands, 1950s. Constructed in teak with adjustable shelving and white lacquered back panels, the piece stands on tapered black-lacquered legs. Each of the three stackable modules can be combined, expanded, or reconfigured, reflecting Braakman's modular design approach and the functionalist spirit of Dutch mid-century furniture. Original construction with visible craftsmanship and good vintage patina to the teak veneer. A recognizable piece of Pastoe's system furniture, popular among collectors of Dutch and Scandinavian design
Information
This modular open bookcase was designed by Cees Braakman for UMS Pastoe, the Netherlands, part of the manufacturer's celebrated modular "Made to Measure" case-furniture system developed through the 1950s and 60s. The piece is built up from three stackable teak units, each fitted with an adjustable shelf, allowing the configuration to be extended, reduced, or rearranged according to the space it fills — a hallmark of Braakman's functionalist approach to Dutch post-war furniture design.
The exterior is finished in teak veneer with visible, well-matched grain, while the interior back panels are lacquered white, creating the graphic two-tone contrast that has made this series particularly sought after among collectors of Dutch mid-century design. The unit stands on slender, black-lacquered tapered legs, a detail characteristic of Pastoe's output from this period and typical of the broader Scandinavian and Dutch design vocabulary of the era.
Structurally the piece is sound and shows the natural patina expected of a genuine vintage object of this age — a quality that, unlike reproduction furniture, cannot be replicated and forms part of its collector value. It suits both a residential interior, as a room divider or display shelving, and a professional setting such as a studio, gallery, or office reception.
Attributed to Cees Braakman for Pastoe, the Netherlands, produced mid-20th century. Available through Infinity Resale, Antwerp, Belgium, with shipping arranged across Europe and worldwide.
Dimensions:
Height: 197.5 cm (77.8 in)
Width: 93.5 cm (36.8 in)
Depth: 29 cm (11.4 in)