Swedish design is characterized by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. Bertil Fridhagen worked as a carpenter for 12 years before starting his architectural studies in Stockholm. In 1939, he was hired as chief architect in Bodafors where he succeeded his mentor Carl Erik Ekholm.

This stunning, upholstered solid wood easy chair combines elements of classical and modern design with utmost quality and architectural precision. The dark wood beautifully frames the upholstered body, outlining the elegant silhouette of the chair. The thin wooden frame makes the design visually appealing from all angles and makes this an ideal accent chair. While the design is streamlined, the homey curves of Swedish mid-century design aren’t absent either. This is most apparent in the armrests’ outward curve. Swedish design prefers colours rooted in nature, muted tones that aren’t screaming about their presence, but still attract the eye naturally. The chair’s premium light upholstery paired with the warm wood is a wonderful example of this ideal. The fabric accentuates the raised angle of the seat and lightly bent back, while the tufted buttons create depth.

Under their leadership of the brothers Zeinwoldt, Bodafors developed rapidly and was eventually named AB Svenska Möbelfabrikerna and became the largest furniture manufacturers in the Nordic region. Several of Sweden's most revered architects were tied to the activity of the manufactory. Among them were Carl Malmsten, Axel Larsson, and Bertil Fridhagen who all became central figures not only of the Swedish furniture factory, but equally in Swedish furniture design and furniture history in general as well.

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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 a premium fabric. 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:

29.13 in W x 29.13 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Arm height 20.87 in

74 cm W x 74 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Arm height 53 cm

About the Designer:

Bertil August Julius Fridhagen was born on February 16 in1905 in Norra Sandsjö parish, Jönköping county, and was a renowned Swedish architect and furniture designer.

Bertil Fridhagen grew up in Bodafors. His father was a carpenter, and he also started as a carpenter at AB Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors, where he became the student of the architect Carl Erik Ekholm. Later, he decided to further his education at Konstfack in Stockholm. In a reversed way, Fridhagen started out gaining experience in cabinetry before completing his formal education in architecture.

He returned to Bodafors in 1937, where at first, he was employed at Sandsjö Möbelfabrik (1937-39) and then became chief architect at Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors, where he succeeded his teacher, Ekholm. He became an important figure for the success of Svenska Möbelfabrikerna and in 1964 Bertil Fridhagen's models accounted for two thirds of home furniture production, which was an extreme success. For comparison, the much more well-known designer, Carl Malmsten's models accounted for a quarter. Bertil Fridhagen's biggest sales success was the combination series “Variett”.

Fridhagen won numerous prizes at various design competitions, including in Denmark in 1954, the California State Fair in Sacramento with the Librettserien in 1956, in Italy in 1966, 1968 and 1970 and in Tennessee in 1972. He also designed buildings, but above all interiors, he is remembered for the Bodafors church. The designer is remembered for his versatile models which are beautiful examples of Swedish design ideals. ~H.