Upholstered Finnish Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Finland 1950s (sold)
Upholstered Finnish Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Finland 1950s (sold)
Finnish architects and designers were driving forces not only of the Finnish functionalist movement, but also of mid-century modernism on a larger scale. Their works were noted for their functional rather than richly decorated appearance, relying instead on the quality and materials of the design.
The beloved shape of this model is reminiscent of Marta Blomstedt’s “Aulanko” and Fleming Lassen's genre-defining 'Tired Man' chair. Similarly to those iconic models, the most notable feature of this chair is the voluminous body characterized by organic, curved shapes that create a cosy and welcoming impression. The gentle lines are highlighted by the soft wool blend upholstery that uniquely covers the entire body of both the chair and of the ottoman, including the unique matching legs. The square shape of the legs tie the two pieces together visually, complementing and accentuating each other’s features. As a representation of mid-century modernist seating, there is a profound focus on comfort and cosiness, that invokes a pleasant homelike feeling. Finnish cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities, therefore this lounge chair provides support for the back and great sitting comfort.
We have added the newly produced matching, upholstered ottoman to provide additional comfort and visual interest. Its design matches the chair with its round shape and soft wool blend upholstery. Together, they form a cosy and luxurious set that exudes high-quality design and craftsmanship.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium wool blend fabric; the ottoman is a later addition, upholstered in the same fabric as the chair. 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:
27.16 in W x 35.62 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 14.17 in; Arm height 22.04 in
87 cm W x 90.5 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 36 cm; Arm height 56 cm
Ottoman:
26.57 in W x 21.85 in D x 15.15 in H
67.5 cm W x 55.5 D x 38.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This “Grand Pedro” armchair shows the curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed this model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy.
The “Grand Pedro” model has a soft, sculptural shape paired with an ergonomic construction, which is 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 body has a welcoming look, with outward curving armrests and a slightly bent backrest. In service of utmost comfort, the sheepskin upholstery 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 this chair. 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. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has 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.