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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

Art Deco, the glamorous and influential design movement that emerged in France during the early 20th century, left an indelible mark on the world of furniture design. Characterised by its bold geometric shapes, rich materials, and luxurious aesthetics, Art Deco transformed the way we perceive interior spaces. It was a testament to the fusion of form and function, and this ethos is beautifully exemplified in this pair of exquisite Art Deco armchairs.

This timeless pair of European Art Deco club chairs boasts a beautiful, almost sculptural frame with generous curves evoking the high-end craftsmanship of the movement that is steeped in old-school luxury and glamour. These armchairs are a true embodiment of the Art Deco style. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, their geometrically inspired frames are constructed from rich, stained birchwood that exudes opulence through its rich and versatile patterns and colours. The upholstery is equally striking, featuring sumptuous velour fabric in an earthly and elegant  brown tone. The streamlined, round armrests and similarly rounded backs showcase the movement's commitment to modernity. The "fauteuil de style", also known as the armchair. In France, the history of furniture closely follows the history of kings, Furniture like armchairs could only be found in the rich homes of the high nobility, closely linked to the reigning monarch whose taste dictated fashion. This is why we talk about Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Régence, Louis XV, Louis XVI, Directory, Empire armchairs… To live up to the seating style’s rich history rooted in style and comfort, this pair has thick seat cushions, sides, and backs fully upholstered.  Instead of traditional tapered legs, these chairs stand on rectangular wooden feet with an especially rich grain, that give them extra personality while also highlighting the curve of the arms.

Like club chairs, armchairs - perhaps the most quintessential pieces of furniture - were embraced during the Art Deco era for their comfort and timeless appeal. They were favoured in upscale clubs and lounges across Europe, providing an inviting haven for relaxation and socialising. These chairs symbolise an era of sophistication and luxury, and their enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring allure of Art Deco design.

‎Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium brown velour 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:

25 in W x 33.07 in D x 30.7 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Arm height 24.8 in

63.5 cm W x 84 cm D x 78 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Arm height 63 cm

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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur

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This pair of rare oak easy chairs showcases the homely curviness that defined the design of the 1950s in the Nordic countries. Hiort af Ornäs developed the model for his own furniture company, ‘Hiort Tuote Valmistaja Puunveisto Helsinki’, or ‘Hiort Product Manufacturer Puunveisto (woodcarver) Helsinki’.

This chair model’s body has a soft, sculptural shape paired with an ergonomic and firm construction. Hiort af Ornäs was very firm about two things regarding his chair designs: the sitting comfort and that the model must look good from every single angle. Much like the “Pedro” model, these easy chairs easily fulfil these principles, as even from the bottom, they showcase the expertly carved oak structure. The removable seat cushions, framed by the open bodies ensure the sitting comfort. The seats, back- and armrests are all formed from a single piece that has an organic, outward curving look that is highly inviting and stylish. Especially on the armrests, the curves highlight the texture of the velvet upholstery and vice versa. The fabric is most appealing on rounded, curving forms, therefore it is a perfect match for this pair of easy chairs. The legs on the other side have a more straightforward design, creating an interesting contrast with the upholstered bodies. They are gently splayed and bent to support the seats and display the oak’s beautiful, darker shade. The craftsmanship and quality that is to be expected from original Hiort af Ornäs chairs is very apparent.

The seating designs of the architect/designer have been gradually more and more recognized world-wide, which resulted in a recent exhibition titled “Forgotten Ornäs”. Form follows function is a principle of design associated with early and mid-20th century architecture and furniture design, stating that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose. This was evidently an important principle for the designer, seen in the design of both the structure and aesthetic elements.

Condition:

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

34.05 in W x 31.49 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 18.11 in

86.5 cm W x 80 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 46 cm

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, in spite of 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.

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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

In the unique design style, “Amsterdamse School”, was an influential Dutch architectural and design movement that emerged in the early 20th century, and left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the Netherlands and on Europe on a larger scale. Beyond its architectural achievements, the Amsterdamse School also extended its influence to interior design and furniture, giving rise to a distinctive style that reflects a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, artistic expression, and social ideals exemplified by this pair of chairs with an enduring appeal, quality, and style.

The Amsterdamse School movement arose in response to the predominant influence of Art Nouveau and Jugendstil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement, which took root in Amsterdam, sought to create a uniquely Dutch style that embraced traditional craftsmanship and celebrated the spirit of the current times. The Amsterdamse School extended its influence across various artistic disciplines, including architecture, decorative arts, and furniture design.

The styles’ main characteristics are reflected in the design of this pair beautifully : expressive, art deco-reminiscent shapes and forms aided by functionality. Amsterdamse School furniture is renowned for its expressive and sculptural qualities. Designers sought to integrate form and functionality seamlessly, resulting in furniture pieces that were not only visually striking but also practical. Subtle, intricate detailing can be observed in this pair as well, from the tightly fit, riveted upholstery to the carved wooden arms and legs, and, before all else, a strong emphasis on craftsmanship.Further reflecting a commitment to renowned Dutch craftsmanship, Amsterdamse School furniture frequently utilized locally sourced materials such as quality woods. The choice of materials not only highlighted the movement's dedication to authenticity but also contributed to the desired durability and longevity of the pieces. The craftsmanship of Amsterdamse School furniture is exemplified by its intricate woodwork and joinery. Pieces often showcased decorative detailing through carvings, inlays, and geometric patterns. These elements added a touch of individuality and artistry to each piece, setting them apart from the mass-produced furniture of the time. Finally, The Amsterdamse School was not merely a design movement; it also embraced social ideals. Furniture designed during this period typically featured elements that conveyed a sense of solidarity and unity. Decorative motifs, such as were often incorporated to symbolize the interconnectedness of nature and society.

Despite the passing of decades, the Amsterdamse School furniture style continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The enduring appeal lies in its unique combination of artistic innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to cultural identity. The pieces from this era are not merely functional items but also works of art that convey the spirit of a transformative period in Dutch history.

In conclusion, the Amsterdamse School furniture style remains a testament to the creative vision and social consciousness of its designers. As we continue to appreciate and preserve these timeless pieces, we celebrate a chapter in design history that has left an indelible mark on the world of furniture aesthetics.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These chairs come with their original upholstery or have been reupholstered by a previous owner. 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:

24.6 in W x 23.42 in D x 39.37 in H; Seat height 21.06 in; Arm height 7.75 in

62.5 cm W x 59.5 cm D x 100 cm H; Seat height 53.5 cm; Arm height 70.5 cm