This lounge chair model known as “Ombord” was designed by Ruda for the legendary company, Nordiska Kompaniet. NK was often the first to introduce new products on the Swedish market, such as jeans, nylon stockings, TVs and Barbie dolls, and the list includes this lounge chair model as well.

During the first half of the 1950s, Ruda worked for AB Nordiska Kompaniet, where he produced, among other things, the seating group “Ombord”, which included this lounge chair as well. This cosy mid-century lounge chair by is one of the designer’s rarest models. The combination of the Swedish designer’s idea and the execution by NK is exceptional. The beautiful solid wooden frame supports the fully upholstered body, while also providing structural interest. Both from the back and the sides, the body engages with the sitter in a visually appealing and comfortable way, offering a great ergonomic design. The sides stand out as they curve down towards the ground. The round edges of the body create a nice balance with the spear-like tapered legs, while the colours and texture of the wood and the sheepskin are in service of each other. As with most lounge chairs, this model is also built in a permanently reclined position, which is a key feature. The slightly bent backrest and seat form a shell that provides ultimate comfort.

The Swedish architect and furniture designer, Bengt Ruda gained a name for himself thanks to his innovative modern furniture designs for Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1950s. The company was founded in Stockholm in 1902, and was built on international models and had, among other things, Sweden's first escalator. In 1904, NK's workshops started in Nyköping, where specially ordered furniture was produced. The furniture was designed by various leading architects such as Carl Malmsten, Axel Einar Hjorth, and Bengt Ruda. By the end of the 1950s, most public environments such as restaurants, banks, hotels, embassies, steamships, etc. had been decorated by NK.

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SOLD

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

29.52 in W x 36.02 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 16.53 in

75 cm W x 91.5 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 42 cm

About the designer:

Bengt Ruda (1918-1999) was a Swedish architect and furniture designer. He worked for Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) during the early 1950s and gained a name for himself thanks to his innovative modern furniture designs.

In 1956, he was approached by none other than IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad, and accepted a position with the up-and-coming new company. The Swedish designer was the first properly qualified designer to join the company. Ruda was highly influenced by Italian designers, which is demonstrated by one of his first designs for IKEA. His easy chair, by the name “Cavelli” was designed in 1959 and was presented in the IKEA catalogues that year as a "modern aristocrat." Nowadays, it might be surprising to many that these early IKEA designs are valuable collectables.

Bengt Ruda remains well-known for his various chair designs for the manufacturing companies Nordiska Kompaniet and the Dutch Artifort. ~H.