The “Rialto” easy chair is an exceptional model thanks to its amazing woven back. The design showcases the expertly calculated balance of functionality and form that defined the design of the 1950s in the Nordic countries. Finnish design icon, Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs developed the model for his own furniture company, ‘Hiort Tuote Valmistaja Puunveisto Helsinki’, or ‘Hiort Product Manufacturer Puunveisto (woodcarver) Helsinki’.

The main design element is unquestionably the leather back that is expertly woven in a cross pattern, standing out against the light upholstered square shaped back cushions. The simple, geometric wooden frames crafted from high-quality wood have a minimalist and timeless elegance. The clean lines and precise angles are hallmarks of Nordic design, reflecting the region's affinity for functional beauty. In this chair model, the streamlined geometric lines of the wood are the perfect frame to showcase both the cushions and the gorgeous back. Hiort af Ornäs was particularly 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, this pair of ”Rialto” easy chairs easily fulfils these principles, as even from the sides, the design showcases the expertly carved wooden structures and their lightly raised profiles. The removable seat and back cushions, framed by the open bodies, ensure the sitting comfort. The craftsmanship and quality of Hiort af Ornäs is very visible in this pair of easy chairs. This model was designed in 1955-56 and was already exhibited in Milano for the XIth Triennale in 1957, evidencing its then contemporary success.

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 of these “Rialto” chairs.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. There is visible damage to the wood on one of the chairs' arms. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium 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:

Chair 1:

25.59 in W x 29.33 in D x 27.95 in H (excluding cushion) or 29.72 cm H (including cushion); Seat height 15.74 in; Arm height 23.22 in

65 cm W x 74.5 cm D x 71 cm H (excluding cushion) or 75.5 cm H (including cushion); Seat height 40 cm; Arm height 59 cm

Chair 2:

25.59 in W x 29.52 in D x 27.95 in H (excluding cushion) or 29.92 cm H (including cushion); Seat height 22.04 in; Arm height 22.04 in, Seat height 16.14 in; Arm height 23.22 in

65 cm W x 75 cm D x 71 cm H (excluding cushion) or 76 cm H (including cushion); Seat height 41 cm; Arm height 59 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 wood shop. 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 numerous 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.