Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs with Brass Leg Caps, Italy ca 1950s (sold)
Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs with Brass Leg Caps, Italy ca 1950s (sold)
Italian furniture and interior designers of the mid-century era remain known as masters of elegantly organic forms. The seating models from this time - including these chairs - were created to highlight the spirit of rebirth of post-war furniture design characterized by clean lines and a free spirit in the form of unexpected details.
Rounded out lines, unexpected curvature and innovative shapes from every angle define the design of this pair. The aesthetic interestingly recalls the classic 20th century English upholstered furniture and style, which is clearly visible in these armchairs, however, the English inspiration is met with Italian ideals. Italian design is characterized by an elegant, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with luxury and style. These armchairs follow the ideals of mid-century Italy in a very evident way: the shell-like silhouette and flowing frames are broken by unexpectedly curving arms and subtle, but effective line tracing that highlights these curves. The light beige colour of these lines corresponds with the solid wooden legs, and together with them, highlight the velour fabric beautifully. The seat cushions and the tilted, gently enveloping backs offer great comfort, and fulfil the perhaps most important mid-century design principle: functionality. Additionally, the legs have brass caps that while small details, add a great amount of visual interest and highlight the tapered shape of the solid wooden legs.
During the mid-century period, the ornate was completely replaced with cleaner lines. In Italy, this can be visually traced in the openness, understated elegance with a hint of luxury, completed by high-quality craftsmanship. The design of this pair of armchairs shows just how successful this uniquely Italian blend was and remains to this day.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium 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:
Chairs:
37.59 in W x 29.92 in D x 29.92 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Arm height 22.04 in
95.5 cm W x 76 cm D x 76 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Arm height 56 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
These “Pedro” armchairs show the homely curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed this model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy.
The Pedro model has a soft, sculptural shape paired with an ergonomic construction, which are very representative of the designer’s beliefs. 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. Pedro fulfils these principles, for as even from the bottom, it showcases the elongated, tapered back legs that are visually captivating. The bodies have a welcoming look, with outward curving armrests and slightly bent backrests. In service of utmost comfort are the removable seat cushions that ensure sitting comfort, and the sheepskin upholstery that is extremely soft. The light colour and texture of the sheepskin complements the lacquered wood legs beautifully, highlighting their sculptural lines.
The craftsmanship and quality provided by Hiort af Ornäs is very visible in the Pedro collection that includes a sofa besides these chairs. The seating designs of the architect/designer have been gradually more and more recognized world-wide, which resulted in the recent exhibition titled “Forgotten Ornäs”.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have 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:
29.13 in W x 28.34 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
74 cm W x 72 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 44 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.