Erich Dieckmann: A Lasting Legacy
03.08.2025
Happy Sunday, design and art lovers. Welcome to another edition of In Depth, our regular feature where we take a closer look at a designer or artist connected to something available at Claroscuro. Today we focus on Erich Dieckmann, a leading figure in early modernist furniture design and a key contributor to the Bauhaus movement. We are pleased to announce the arrival of two of his armchairs, which will be available soon following inspection and possible restoration.
Erich Dieckmann was born in 1896 and trained at the Bauhaus in Weimar before moving on to head the furniture workshop at Burg Giebichenstein in Halle. His work reflects the Bauhaus principles of simplicity, structure and utility, but with a warmer and more restrained approach than some of his contemporaries. While others explored metal tubing and industrial techniques, Dieckmann remained committed to the expressive potential of solid wood.
He designed chairs, tables and storage systems that prioritised clear construction, honest materials and balanced proportions. He often used beech or oak frames with cane or woven rush seats. His chairs are instantly recognisable by their geometric frames, upright stance and straightforward build. They were designed to be practical, durable and easy to produce, but also thoughtful in form and detail.
Rather than seeking fame through signature pieces, Dieckmann developed a coherent and thoughtful approach to furniture. His designs are defined by their visible construction, clean lines and careful proportions. Whether working on seating, storage or tables, his interest remained in clarity and balance. This consistency gave his work a quiet strength, and it is this design language that continues to appeal to collectors, historians and anyone drawn to furniture that prioritises structure over ornament.
Dieckmann’s work is less well known than that of some of his contemporaries, yet his influence is clear. His designs helped to define what we now recognise as modernist furniture, rooted in structure and function rather than decoration. Museums and collectors continue to seek out his work for its rigour and quiet elegance.
The two Dieckmann armchairs that have recently joined our collection are excellent examples of his approach. Both feature solid wood frames with visible joints and a strong graphic presence. Their proportions are compact yet comfortable, with careful attention paid to the angle of the backrest and the rhythm of the frame. They will undergo a full condition check, and where necessary, will be sensitively restored to preserve their original character while ensuring they are ready for use.
At Claroscuro, we value design that holds its relevance across decades. The arrival of these two Erich Dieckmann chairs is a rare opportunity to acquire objects with both historical importance and strong visual appeal. We look forward to sharing more about them as the restoration process begins. If you are interested in seeing them in their current condition or would like to be notified when they become available, please feel free to contact us.
Images used in this article include works attributed to or documenting designs by Erich Dieckmann. Sources include the Vitra Design Museum, Kunstgewerbemuseum Berlin, 1stDibs, and archival publications such as Möbelbau in Holz, Rohr und Stahl. Some development sketches and historical portraits have been reproduced from publicly shared material or artist archives. All images are used here for editorial and educational purposes.