This mid-century modern dining chair was born from a desire to create a design that was comfortable, organic, and elegant in its simplicity. The design incorporates subtle, yet stunning hand-shaped, geometrical curves.

Karl Andersson was known for his creativity, boundless enthusiasm and dynamism, a man who saw his ideas through to completion. He solemnly undertook to manufacture nothing but “well-made furniture, durable and sustainable”. This immensely rare pair of chairs is a prime example of the ideals of Andersson, who considered wood as a foundation, but he was open to new materials as well. These chairs show how in 20th century Sweden pine was not only used for the famously simple and minimalistic “sportstugemöbler” models, but also for more sculptural pieces like these chairs. Using simple but well-though out lines, this pair was designed to be minimalistic, yet aesthetically distinct. The triangular stained pine frames are very original, especially for the early 20th century. The seats with the matching shape and the enveloping backrests are upholstered, which pairs well with the pine frame’s straight, geometric lines. The quality of the design is matched by the outstanding workmanship and is further complimented by the eye-catching texture of the premium grey upholstery.

In 1898, carpenter Karl Andersson began to manufacture furniture in the small village of Berghem between Huskvarna and Gränna. In the early years, he worked as a journeyman and later as a fully qualified master cabinetmaker in Stockholm and Jönköping. The company grew, and with it the ethos of traditional craftsmanship and the reputation for the highest quality that still meet the demands of the 21st century.

SOLD

Condition:

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

31.5 in W x 25.59 in D x 31.89 in H; Seat height 18.5 in

80 cm W x 65 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 47 cm

About the designer:

It all began in 1898 when carpenter Karl Andersson began to manufacture furniture in the small village of Berghem between Huskvarna and Gränna. In the early years, he worked as a journeyman and later as a fully qualified master cabinetmaker in Stockholm and Jönköping. When he later returned to Berghem, he converted a room in his parent's home into a workshop. His equipment was simple.

An incorrigible optimist, armed with no more than a planing bench, a bow saw, a trying plane and a modest collection of smaller tools, he started producing writing cabinets, beds, sofas, tables and chairs for anyone who needed them. Over the years Karl and his wife, Ida, were blessed with five sons and six daughters, also taking in a foster son. One by one, four of the five boys became involved in their father's business and each was assigned his own area of responsibility. Karl Andersson's advice to his sons was straightforward: "Stick together boys, and things will go well for you." In 1944, they formed the limited company Karl Andersson & Söner.

Many items of furniture from Karl Andersson & Söner have become classics. Some even feature in the collections of the Nordiska Museet (Nordic Museum) in Stockholm. In the late 1940s, Professor Carl Malmsten designed the Visingsö and Vapensmeden furniture series for the company. A few years later, in 1955, the Danish architect Børge Mogensen designed the Øresund series of tables, cabinets and chairs. In 1972, Karl Andersson's youngest son, Göran Malmvall, created the KA72 series of cabinets. Today, these cabinets are found not only in homes and offices, but also in embassies around the world.

The company grew, and with it the ethos of traditional craftsmanship and the reputation for the highest quality, now translated to meet the demands of modern, large-scale industrial production. Today the vision nurtured by Karl Andersson and his sons remains as relevant as ever.