VaM
Pair of EarChairs by Studio Makkink & Bey for Prooff, 2006
Regular price
£7,995.00 GBP
Regular price
£0.00 GBP
Sale price
£7,995.00 GBP
Unit price
per
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An exceptional and historically significant pair of Prooff EarChairs, designed in 2006 by Studio Makkink & Bey (Rianne Makkink & Jürgen Bey). Conceived as sculptural acoustic seating, these chairs embody the radical experimentation of early 21st-century Dutch design.
Each chair forms a commanding architectural presence, its exaggerated winged "ears" enclosing the sitter in a cocoon of calm. Independently tested, the EarChair reduces ambient sound by approximately 13dB, creating an intimate micro-environment - a "room within a room."
These particular examples carry outstanding provenance. They were bespoke commissions for the 2008 relaunch of the Midland Hotel, Morecambe, the celebrated Art Deco masterpiece by Oliver Hill. The Midland has hosted Coco Chanel, Noël Coward and Laurence Olivier, and has featured in Agatha Christie's Poirot and The Entertainer. Its restoration by Urban Splash was an architectural landmark, with these chairs forming part of its carefully curated interiors.
Now professionally reupholstered in a vivid yellow and grey striped textile, the chairs retain their monumental sculptural form while exuding fresh vibrancy. Rare to market, and with documented heritage linking them to both British modernist history and internationally exhibited designers, they represent not just furniture, but collectible works of contemporary design.
Pieces by Studio Makkink & Bey are held in the permanent collections of the Centre Pompidou (Paris), the Stedelijk Museum (Amsterdam), and the Victoria & Albert Museum (London).
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Condition Report
Excellent condition
Newly reupholstered in bespoke striped yellow & grey fabric
Structurally sound
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Dimensions
Height: 148 cm
Width: 125 cm
Depth: 112 cm
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Style and Material
Style: Contemporary Dutch design, 2000s
Designer: Studio Makkink & Bey (Rianne Makkink & Jürgen Bey)
Manufacturer: Prooff (Progressive Office)
Material: Upholstered fabric, internal acoustic structure
Colour: Yellow & grey striped
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Special Features
Rare pair with exceptional provenance - bespoke commissions for the Midland Hotel relaunch, 2008
Acoustic performance - reduces ambient sound by approx. 13dB
Exhibited designers - works in the collections of Pompidou, Stedelijk and V&A
Sculptural statement pieces - icons of early 21st-century Dutch design
Freshly reupholstered in striped fabric, maintaining monumental presence
---
Delivery
We offer discreet, professional worldwide delivery with full insurance. For UK mainland, delivery is arranged by specialist couriers within 1-2 weeks. European and international shipping available on request. Collection from Cullingworth Mills, BD13 5AB welcome by appointment.
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About Us
Vintage at the Mill is based in a historic Yorkshire textile mill, curating an ever-evolving collection of antiques, vintage design and collectible modern works. We specialise in pieces that embody authenticity, craftsmanship and cultural resonance - items chosen not just as furnishings, but as investments in character and legacy.
Each chair forms a commanding architectural presence, its exaggerated winged "ears" enclosing the sitter in a cocoon of calm. Independently tested, the EarChair reduces ambient sound by approximately 13dB, creating an intimate micro-environment - a "room within a room."
These particular examples carry outstanding provenance. They were bespoke commissions for the 2008 relaunch of the Midland Hotel, Morecambe, the celebrated Art Deco masterpiece by Oliver Hill. The Midland has hosted Coco Chanel, Noël Coward and Laurence Olivier, and has featured in Agatha Christie's Poirot and The Entertainer. Its restoration by Urban Splash was an architectural landmark, with these chairs forming part of its carefully curated interiors.
Now professionally reupholstered in a vivid yellow and grey striped textile, the chairs retain their monumental sculptural form while exuding fresh vibrancy. Rare to market, and with documented heritage linking them to both British modernist history and internationally exhibited designers, they represent not just furniture, but collectible works of contemporary design.
Pieces by Studio Makkink & Bey are held in the permanent collections of the Centre Pompidou (Paris), the Stedelijk Museum (Amsterdam), and the Victoria & Albert Museum (London).
---
Condition Report
Excellent condition
Newly reupholstered in bespoke striped yellow & grey fabric
Structurally sound
---
Dimensions
Height: 148 cm
Width: 125 cm
Depth: 112 cm
---
Style and Material
Style: Contemporary Dutch design, 2000s
Designer: Studio Makkink & Bey (Rianne Makkink & Jürgen Bey)
Manufacturer: Prooff (Progressive Office)
Material: Upholstered fabric, internal acoustic structure
Colour: Yellow & grey striped
---
Special Features
Rare pair with exceptional provenance - bespoke commissions for the Midland Hotel relaunch, 2008
Acoustic performance - reduces ambient sound by approx. 13dB
Exhibited designers - works in the collections of Pompidou, Stedelijk and V&A
Sculptural statement pieces - icons of early 21st-century Dutch design
Freshly reupholstered in striped fabric, maintaining monumental presence
---
Delivery
We offer discreet, professional worldwide delivery with full insurance. For UK mainland, delivery is arranged by specialist couriers within 1-2 weeks. European and international shipping available on request. Collection from Cullingworth Mills, BD13 5AB welcome by appointment.
---
About Us
Vintage at the Mill is based in a historic Yorkshire textile mill, curating an ever-evolving collection of antiques, vintage design and collectible modern works. We specialise in pieces that embody authenticity, craftsmanship and cultural resonance - items chosen not just as furnishings, but as investments in character and legacy.
Materials
Materials
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Dimensions
Dimensions
Care Instructions
Care Instructions
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Professional Shipping
All shipping has been capped at £30 per item, unless items are particularly large or being shipped outside the UK. For such items, please contact us for a quotation.
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Packaging
All items are carefully wrapped and then dispatched with specialist furniture couriers within 1-2 weeks from purchase.