I amsterdam - Best Dutch Design

Not Frozen in Time
From Vermeer’s mastery of soft gilded light to Rembrandt’s dramatic use of chiaroscuro, there are plenty of oppotunities to experience world-famous Dutch design. But Holland’s strong tradition and growing international reputation as a nation rich in contemporary artists and innovative designers is embodied no more so than at Frozen Fountain - a must for anyone into cutting edge home-wares, lighting, fabrics & furniture. Less a furniture shop and more an interior design museum and art school showcase rolled into one, Frozen Fountain is as far removed from regular home-ware shops of Swedish nature as Alessi is from Tupperware. But it’s no easy job compartmentalising this sprawling store of interconnected rooms filled with domestic treasures both large and small.

Simply Unique
Oversized 60’s inspired lamps hover above delicate damask table linen, cutlery that’s literally cutting edge compete with ice-cool clocks and ceramics, designer chairs as easy on the eye as they are hard on your posture (and pocket book!) – everything an absolutely fabulous home without a credit limit could want! Frozen Fountain’s layout is made up of stores within stores, displaying internationally acclaimed works such as the reclaimed timber tables of Piet Heen Eek, shimmering felt fabrics by Claudy Jongstra or the hand-painted earthenware and tiles by Koninklijke Tichelaar Makkum - the oldest ceramic makers in Europe (est. 1594).

Emerging Designers
But it’s not just the big guns of interior design jostling for space. Since its inception in 1985 Frozen Fountain’s Dick Dankers & partner Cok de Rooy have developed extensive contacts with local and international art & design academies to bring attention to emerging young designers. It also established in 1998 the Dutch Individuals Foundation to establish links between emerging artists & industry. And with savvy upscale home-ware stores in North America making it their first purchasing stop in Europe, an exhibition or commission from Frozen Fountain often leads to international success. Recent commissions have even been purchased by collections including Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, the Victoria & AlbertMuseum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

So, the next time you feel like checking out Dutch design other than dusty Delft-ware – and want to take home more than a postcard from the gift shop - check out the modern masterpieces at Frozen Fountain (but make sure there’s plenty of room left on your credit card!).

Address: Prinsengracht 629
Tel: +31 (0)20 622 9375
Website: www.frozenfountain.nl 
e-mail: info@frozenfountain.nl

Trams: 1,2,5 (Prinsengracht)
Hours:
Mon: 1pm-6pm
Tue-Fri: 10am-6pm
Sat: 10am-5pm

Payment options: Cash & Credit Cards

Extras: Check for regular exhibitions. Bespoke & limited edition pieces also available for sale.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible