Cees Braakman trolley

This rare bar trolley was designed by Dutch designer Cees Braakman and produced by UMS Pastoe in the Netherlands during the 1950s. It is a refined example of postwar European modernism, uniting functional versatility with a clear, minimal structural language.

The trolley is constructed with flat teak panels framed in black-painted steel, combining the warmth of natural wood with the sharp precision of metal. The top surface is divided into three sections, the central part composed of hinged perforated steel panels that lift to reveal a recessed storage compartment with divisions and circular brass bottle holders. This concealed interior function makes the piece ideal for serving as both a drinks station and a display surface. A teak lower shelf offers additional storage, while the open side frame incorporates a dedicated bottle rack in black steel, lined at the top edge with teak.

The structure is supported by two large circular teak wheels edged with rubber for ease of movement, balanced on the opposite side by a fixed steel leg. A vertical steel handle with a teak grip completes the design, offering control and visual balance. The use of perforated metal panels and modular divisions reflects Braakman’s interest in integrating industrial materials into domestic furniture in a way that is both practical and aesthetically refined.

Cees Braakman (1917–1995) was head of the Pastoe design team from 1945 to 1978 and was instrumental in introducing clean-lined, modular furniture systems to the Dutch market. Inspired by his study of the Eames’ and Herman Miller’s methods in the United States, he incorporated new materials and production techniques into Pastoe’s repertoire while retaining a distinctly European sensibility.

UMS Pastoe, founded in 1913, became a leading name in modern Dutch furniture under Braakman’s direction. The company’s designs from the 1950s and 1960s are now celebrated for their combination of functional rigor and understated elegance.

This example is in good vintage condition, with small signs of use consistent with careful age and preservation.