Dieter Waeckerlin

Modular shelf by Dieter Waeckerlin for Idealheim, Basel – Switzerland, 1966.

Model “DW Wandmöbel Serie II”, rare version in rosewood and ash stained black, with bench and storage space with integrated sliding doors.

Bibliography: Dieter Waeckerlin und Idealheim, Schweizer Wohnkultur 1950-1980, Christoph Merian Verlag 2018. Pages 92, 148 ff.

Dieter Wäckerlin (1930-2013) is mainly known to collectors for his simple, refined and functional furniture. Although relatively unknown to the general public, Wäckerlin’s work has recently been rediscovered and honoured by the publication of the above-mentioned monograph.

Most of Wäckerlin’s work is produced by his family business Idealheim in Basel. The furniture is generally modular and can be adapted to the customer’s requirements.

The number of furniture designs by Wäckerlin during his career is estimated at over 200, of which at least 120 have gone into production. In the 1970s, he opened the first gallery in Switzerland entirely dedicated to avant-garde design and distributed brands such as Cassina, B&B Italia, Artemide, Kartell, Flos and Poltronova.