Though their country has a long tradition of craftsmanship, for numerous reasons mid-century Norwegian designers never gained the same international renown as their peers in neighbouring nations. But as these gorgeous chairs show, when modernism reached the country, exceptional pieces were created.

Designers in the post-war period focused on simple, well-made pieces of homegrown woods such as walnut and pine. The pine frames of this pair are outstanding, both in visual and technical terms. The sculptural spindles are arranged symmetrically on all sides, forming the lower half of the backrest as well. They also give the chairs and airy, light look despite being made of solid wood. The armrests have beautiful curvature and follow the lines of the seat cushion, as they are both raised gently towards the front. The seats under the cushion showcase the impeccable dovetail joinery both in the front and in the back. The legs have two horizontal stretchers, while the tapered look matches the spindles to create the cohesive look of the design. The sheepskin upholstery makes sure that these chairs are very comfortable and cosy, in a true Scandinavian manner.

Arnt Lande worked for the furniture manufacturer Møller & Stokke from 1941 to 1943, and like many Norwegian designers, such as Fredrik A. Kayser, Torbjørn Afdal and Torbjørn Bekken, was on a roll in the 1940s. The focus on furniture design unfortunately shifted from the 1950s in Norway, but in the halcyon days of the 40s outstanding and unmistakeable designs, such as these chairs were produced.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.

Dimensions:

25 in W x 27.95 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 15.55 in

63.5 cm W x 71 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 39.5 cm

About the designer:

Arnt Lande is known as Stokke's “Unknown star designer”. Arnt Lande (1920-2005) was a Norwegian furniture designer and interior designer. He was employed by the furniture manufacturer Stokke for 40 years and thus left a clear mark on the company's production.

Lande worked for Møller & Stokke in the period 1941 to 1943. From 1943 to 1947, he studied at the Wood Department at the State School of Crafts and Art Industry under architect Arne Korsmo. After his studies, Lande established his own factory in Lyngdal in 1947, but the following year, he got a job as a designer at Møller & Stokke. His first chair for the company was probably Haakon (1948), and two years later he came up with the salon furniture Kari. Lande eventually designed stuffed models, which were the company's speciality. Arnt Lande was soon given responsibility for most of the model development at Møller & Stokke, which from 1956 changed its name to Stokke Fabrikker.

Stokke realized more and more the benefits of rational production. Lande himself believed that the design of the models had to be adapted to the production apparatus, which in turn led to more sensible material utilization, larger series and cheaper prices for consumers.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Arnt Lande and Stokke's product development team designed armchairs with the older generation in mind. The solid Minuet came in 1972 and was in production for more than 20 years. In addition to working as a designer for Stokke, Arnt Lande was a drawing teacher at Borgund Vocational School, and he performed a number of interior assignments. ~H.