‎While they play a prominent role in both architecture and pop culture, rocking chairs solidified their place in Scandinavian design history as well. As this Göran Malmvall model proves, functionality can manifest in many forms, but it is always accompanied by both great material and aesthetic quality in Swedish design.

The “Svensk Fur” line is often compared to the designs of Axel Einar Hjorth, even though it is an exceptional design on its own merit. Self-taught, Göran Malmvall was a highly skilled cabinetmaker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations.This rocking chair is said to have been created at Steneby Hemslöjdsförening (“Steneby Handicrafts Association”);(Steneby is a creative cultural and educational environment in Dalsland 170 kilometres north of Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city). This model’s version with arms was sold at Ferd. Lundquist in Gothenburg, the largest and most well-known department store in Gothenburg at the time. As part of the highly collectible Svensk Fur (“Swedish Pine”) series, this rocking chair has a Minimalist rusticity akin to the pieces of the contemporaneous Sportstugemöbler furniture. Both lines were inspired by traditional Swedish carpentry, transforming the utilitarian provincial furniture into more refined profiles that appealed to a higher end customer. Solid pine was the preferred material in this specific style, and Malmvall managed to form this otherwise simple material into gentle, elegant shapes. The rockers are especially appealing, elongated in the back to create a beautiful curve. The screws are left visible, enhancing the rustic look, while the added upholstered seat pillow provides comfort and visual softness to the solid wooden structure.

According to some sources, the pieces of the Svensk Fur line have been manufactured by Karl Andersson & Sons who have been manufacturing quality and designer furniture since 1898. Everything has been manufactured in Huskvarna for four generations. As Karl Andersson's youngest son, Göran Malmvall’s furniture pieces, including this rocking chair, were produced by the family company. 

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Marks and scratches on the wood. The added cushion is upholstered in a premium fabric. Some scratches and stains. Minor impact marks on the back washer. Small bump marks. The chair’s seat cushion has been reupholstered recently in premium light 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:

23.42 in W x 31.88 in D x 25.39 in H; Seat height 14.96 in

59.5 cm W x 81 cm D x 64.5 cm H; Seat height 38 cm

About the Attributed Designer:

Göran Malmvall (1917–2001) was the youngest son of the manufacturing company’s founder, Karl Andersson. He studied furniture design under Carl Malmsten and was involved with the family business from an early age until 1982, mainly in the capacity of an in-house furniture designer.

Self-taught, he was a highly skilled cabinet-maker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. His most notable designs include Svensk Fur, Svitjod and, not least, the KA 72 cabinet series, first created in 1972 and already a modern classic.

The manufacturer, Karl Andersson & Söner was established in 1898, when carpentry master Karl Andersson started to produce “durable and sustainable furniture” in his parents' home in the village of Berghem between Huskvarna and Gränna. Over a hundred years later, the historic company still manufactures quality furniture and designer furniture in their own modern factory in Huskvarna. ~H.