Credenza by Laurens Bisscheroux, the Netherlands, 1956

One of a kind credenza designed and made by Laurens Bisscheroux which is coming from an interior designed for his aunt in 1956. This design has beautiful French or Italian influenced details, especially in the legs. These have this sculptural shape that is almost an object on its own due to their construction. The credenza is made of birchwood with this nice yellow tone. The credenza consists of a drawer compartment on the left side with five drawers. The fronts of the drawers are finished with a yellow/green toned ribbed wooden element. The birch handles have a subtle design that is perfectly made to easily open the drawer. The top drawer has a red velvet interior where you can store small items. On the right side there are two glass sliding doors and a glass shelf with enough space for treasured objects to display. The doors have milled out handles where you can open them with your fingertips. This credenza is in original condition with only a very small mark on the top, no worthy marks besides that and a beautiful original patina. Laurens Bisscheroux was born on March 31, 1934, in Eygelshoven, as the son of contractor W.H. Bisscheroux. Initially he attended a minor seminary in Sittard but did not complete his studies there. He then pursued a degree in civil engineering at the HTS in Heerlen and subsequently worked as a furniture maker in his father’s company. In 1960, he started his own architectural firm. His works can be divided into two periods. The first period is characterized by structuralist designs. In the early 1960s Bisscheroux received his first major commission. The Italian Belfi family sought a new ice cream parlor. Bisscheroux designed the La Veneziana ice cream parlor, introducing people to novelties like cappuccino. Bisscheroux aimed to capture the ambiance of 1950s Italian films in his designs, both exterior and interior. Mosaics, a bar made of cobblestones, and artistic wall decorations enhanced this atmosphere. A beautiful green enamelled brick was used for the side facade. from around 1972, his work took on a sculpturalist nature. Notable examples include the AZM building in Heerlen. The striking building had a steel skeleton, constructed of cubes measuring 4.50 meters per side. Glass was extensively used in the building, and the dimensions were spacious, with vivid color usage, resulting in a transparent structure. However, it was the distinctive sunscreens that gave the building its unique appearance, earning it the nickname “toetergebouw” (horn building). Bisscheroux also designed homes and the police station in Kerkrade. After 1980, he ceased his work as an architect and devoted himself entirely to painting and furniture design.