7 reasons to love the vintage specialists behind Galerie Gaudium & De Vreugde Design

Twenty-five years ago, Jan Willem and Soraya van de Vreugde started a vintage design business in a warehouse outside of Amsterdam. Today, Galerie Gaudium's city-center gallery space is going strong, offering a revolving program of thematic exhibitions, the latest of which spotlights the work of Italian artist-designer Angelo Brotto. And they still have a warehouse space out in Wilnis, called De Vreugde Design; a 2,000 square-meter mega vintage shop that welcomes a steady influx of buyers and curious visitors.

Jan has seen it all: the ever-changing trends in tastes, markets, and selling models that drive the business of vintage. Their inventory is as vast as it is enticing. We know you'll enjoy getting to know him better.

 

Tulip Dining Set by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International Photo © Galerie Gaudium
1. What is your speciality and how long have you been doing what you do?

We specialize in vintage design of all kinds from the 1920s to the 1980s. We send containers of it around the world to wholesale clients. Our shop in Amsterdam opened in 1995, but I've been trading in collectables for more than 35 years.

2. Who is your all-time favorite designer and why?

That’s a difficult question, but I think Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé are my favorites. I love their industrial look and their innovative use of materials. Eero Saarinen too for the same reasons.

3. What is your all-time favorite design and why?

The Tulip series from Saarinen for Knoll. It’s so timeless and fits so many different types of interiors.

4. If you could live in a historical home, what would it be and why?

Around ten years ago, we built our houseboat. It's a modern-style bungalow that floats in the water on a concrete base. Every day that we spend there feels like a holiday.

W. W. Gipsen Table Lamp for Daalderop Photo © Galerie Gaudium
5. Where do you go for inspiration or to see great design?

I have an extended book collection that brings me lots of inspiration. I also enjoy going to the vintage design markets through Europe to find exceptional pieces.

6. Which vintage market trends are you watching these days?

Trends vary according to region, like for example the differences you can find between markets in Asia than in Europe. I see a lot of interest in Bauhaus designs in Korea, while in Australia there's an emerging demand for furniture from Provence France. The market for vintage Dutch remains strong worldwide.

7. What advice can you give to those who are new to vintage design?

 Buy only pieces that you really like—not because of the name attached.