At the Tenth Milan Triennial in 1954, Finland received the largest relative proportion of available prizes. The amount was even more than those eight prizes the country collected at a previous Triennial in 1951, when it made its initial break-through in the international exhibitions of design. A new era had begun: The 1950s and 1960s became known as the golden age of Finnish design and also of designer, Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs.

Distinctive and original furniture characterize the Finnish mid-century, with immediately recognizable features such as the legs of this so-called “Kolmiojalka” (triangular foot) or simply ‘TV bench”. The teak veneered top is supported by two, solid wood trestles. The gaze first attaches to these unusual, triangular legs that inspired the model’s name. They are painted black, thanks to which the geometrical form stands out even more. The colour contrast between the legs and the top is very apparent, resulting in a modern, unmistakeably Finnish look. Many of Hiort af Ornäs’s designs aimed for multiple uses. This model is also versatile due to its airy and light structure, and it forms a whole family of products: It can be used as a table, a bench, or as a stand for a television or even books. An upholstered version of this model also exists that was used at the end of beds and waiting rooms. Regardless of where and how it is used, it beautifully emphasizes the objects placed on it. The beautifully finished details make this bench an eye-catching classic.

The 1950s’ design language looks just as attractive and fresh today as it did decades ago. Every piece of Hiort af Ornäs furniture is a Finnish handicraft, manufactured in Finland, respecting traditions from the very beginning of production. This model was produced at Huonekalu Mikko Nupponen in Lahti, Finland during the 1950s.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches on the wood.

Dimensions:

55.11 in W x 18.89 in D x 15.15 in H

140 cm W x 48 cm D x 38.5 cm H

About the designer:

Carl-Gustaf Vilhelm (nicknamed “Nalle”) Hiort of Ornäs was born on 27 February 1911 and lived most of his life in Tapiola/Espoo in Finland, and in his later life moved to Spain. He is remembered as a Finnish interior architect and designer known to be uncompromising.

Before the Finnish wars (1939-1944), Hiort af Ornäs spent his time in Pori, working at Björneborgs Mekaniska Verkstad. He studied at the Helsinki University of Technology to become an architect, but never graduated. He did, however, become known as an interior designer, and eventually even more known as a furniture designer.

In 1945, Hiort af Ornäs founded the furniture company Puunveisto Oy, for which he developed versatile techniques for shaping plywood. He started the furniture manufacturing shop on Lauttasaari in Helsinki (Veneentekijäntie 14) together with his brother. The wood shop, showroom and office were all located in the same building in Helsinki. Rolf Mesterton was the man in charge of producing the furniture, but there were several other carpenters at work in the woodshop. Hiort af Ornäs’s furniture was exhibited and sold by the shop Nupponen who also distributed Olavi Hänninen’s designs, while Puunveisto’s furniture were also sold by Gösta Westerbergs Möbler in Stockholm, Sweden, but despite a good selection of chairs, tables and shelves, did not do too well. Since production costs were high, Hiort af Ornäs faced economic troubles. The company was later sold to Nupponen after which Hiort af Ornäs’s interest in the company waned.

Hiort af Ornäs spent his retirement in Spain, and designed several buildings for Fuengirola’s Los Pacos neighbourhood, which has a large Finnish population. His house that he drew and built in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland, ‘Villa Hiort’, still stands and houses some of the designer’s original drawings. It is a beautiful example of 1950s Modernism and the talent of Hiort af Ornäs that brought him recognition that lasts to this day. ~H.