Pair of Danish Upholstered Easy Chairs with Beech Legs, Denmark 1940s (sold)
Pair of Danish Upholstered Easy Chairs with Beech Legs, Denmark 1940s (sold)
This pair of Danish-made easy chairs is characterized by the best qualities of Danish mid-century design. From the restrained aesthetic to the elegant pairing of materials, these upholstered models are the perfect examples of how pairing Danish design, the work of a cabinetmaker, and luxurious upholstery creates exceptional pieces.
The design features beautifully patinated and carved beech legs supporting the fully upholstered bodies. The rounded, curving shape of the arm- and backrests creates a welcoming, “homey” but stylish look that is a signature characteristic of Danish Modernism. The top line of the chairs appears to be curling outwards, which provides a touch of playfulness. The backs are lightly bent and adorned with five cross stitches arranged in two parallel lines, a small but defining visual detail that distinguishes the chairs of this pair. Like the backs, the legs are also bent to create the “welcoming” look. The Danish design idiom was centred on warm woods, quality fabrics and gentle yet robust support for the spine - qualities that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture.
This pair further illustrates how modernist design can be warm and cosy despite its reputation of often cold simplicity. The elegant light bouclé upholstery highlights the beautiful beech wood legs thanks to its rich texture. With a classic look, storied design and solid quality, this pair of easy chairs is an early playful and stylish evidence of why mid-century Danish design is beloved and coveted to this day.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric.
Dimensions:
27.95 in W x 36.61 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 16.14 in
71 cm W x 93 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat Height 41 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
The “Laila” model by the Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen, originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection.
This pair of “nr. 238” armchairs are from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating, that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushions and back with five tufted buttons. The bodies have the classic Nordic look, which explains the contemporary popularity of these armchairs both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the soft sheepskin upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well.
Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930, the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s present Laila armchairs.
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 reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
32.87 in W x 32.87 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 17.51 in
83.5 cm W x 83.5 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 44.5 cm
Literature:
Riitta Miestamo "The Form and Substance of Finnish Furniture", Askon Säätiö, Esan Kirjapaino oy, Lahti 1981.p 65.
About the Designer:
Ilmari Lappalainen (1918 - 2006) was a great Finnish designer whose most active working years were from the end of the 1940s until the end of the 1970s.
Lappalainen first graduated as a teacher of woodworking in 1939, followed by a degree in interior design in 1947. By the end of the school of interior design, he was already working as an intern in Asko and after graduating he got a permanent design position at the company. Lappalainen worked as a teacher and as an interior designer for Asko's department stores, public spaces and hotels.
Lappalainen's most popular products / series are the Laila sofa set, the Seija rocking chair, the lazy castle Rex and the Pulkka armchair. Interestingly, the chairs from the Columna series were sold as health chairs for a long time, because they had such a good ergonomic design, that it prevented back problems. The chairs eventually received medical approval as well. ~H.