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Price category: 50,000+ usd / eur

Swedish architect and furniture maker Axel Einar Hjorth worked as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. While combining the simple, honest forms of the traditional nordic “allmoge” furniture common in Swedish rural culture, with the international 20th century Modernist movement, Hjorth designed the “Sportstugemöbler” series, (“sports cabin furnishings”) a collection of wooden furniture designed for country homes.

The “Lovö” chair was initially launched by Nordiska Kompaniet in 1932. The series was a response to a new, growing demand for furnishings for leisure houses, thus Hjorth used local pine to create a model that unites the robust and straightforward Nordic style with skilful handcrafting. The result is a modest, yet visually interesting presence with a strong and tall outline. These chairs are crafted from local pine wood, while the backrests feature iron rivets. The juxtaposition between the pine and iron provides a rustic, sturdy and resilient feel, elevating the timeless look of the model. The chairs combine simple and honest forms of the handcrafted style of traditional Nordic “allmoge” furniture, and the international 20th century Modernist movement. The seats feature loose, removable cushions, upholstered in a textural fabric. The cushions further increase the chairs’ special character, ensuring comfort and charm. The design is completed by four square, straight legs, offering the set sturdiness.

The “Sportstugemöbler” series had a lasting influence on Hjorth’s contemporaries, inspiring other big names within Nordic design, such as Carl Malmsten. From an international perspective, this series is the forerunner of later pioneering designs, so it comes as no surprise that these “Lovö” chairs became part of modernist design history.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the chairs have minor scratches and dents, and may have additional marks or discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. In addition, the chairs can be purchased including their original striped cushions. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

18.5 in W x 20.86 in D x 37.4 in H; Seat height 17.71 in; Seat depth 16.54 in

47 cm W x 53 cm D x 95 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 42 cm

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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur

Art Deco was an era-defining movement in furniture making. These chairs were created during an age of aesthetic creativity and instantly recognisable design. As these armchairs show, European furniture designers’ artistic approach was anchored by characteristic Art Deco refinement, expressed through graceful forms and traditional methods. Though Art Deco furniture took many different forms across Europe, shape, material and craftsmanship remained central to its character, with curved wooden structures providing some of the period’s most expressive seating designs.

This pair immediately catches the eye with its bold outline, defined by the pronounced curve of the wooden arms. The arms create a hollow form, allowing the beautiful upholstery to remain visible from the sides while further complementing the gentle curvature. Each arm sweeps forward before curving down and around the lower body of the chair, creating a continuous wooden structure that frames the upholstery. The walnut veneers beautiful grain and colour variation stand out thanks to the upholstery’s restrained, elegant beige colour. To keep the visual balance, the backs feature straighter lines, contrasting with the flowing shape of the side structures. The tightly upholstered seats and backs, while adding comfort and cosiness to the design, do not take attention away from the wood. The seats have softly rounded fronts, while the tall backrests are slightly inclined and finished with two subtle tufted buttons. The combination of upholstered bodies and open wooden sides creates a particularly effective contrast between volumes. The obvious quality of the craftsmanship complements the design through the choice of materials, techniques and well-thought-out details, with the continuous curves giving the chairs their distinctive streamlined appearance.

Created during an age of innovation in materials, shapes and techniques, these chairs showcase how European furniture designers coupled geometry and craftsmanship to create elegantly impressive additions to their interiors. Perfect for those looking to add some vintage character to a space, the pair can bring warmth and a distinctive presence to a living room or conversation area.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

28.93 in W x 35.62 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 19.68 in; Seat depth 21.06 in; Arm height 25 in

73.5 cm W x 90.5 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 50 cm; Seat depth 53.5 cm; Arm height 63.5 cm

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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

Finnish designer, Carin Lisa Johansson-Pape, was among the most significant Finnish designers in the second half of the 1900s. She designed furniture for Stockmann and participated in New York’s World Fair of 1939 and the Milan Triennial IX. The 1940s marked a golden era for interior design, amidst a booming economy and a newfound sense of optimism. Designers like Johansson-Pape sought to create furniture that felt both modern and human, moving away from the stark metal and glass of the machine age toward objects that could bring warmth and comfort to domestic life.

The design of this pair is full of modern energy that has, and surely will continue to endure for generations thanks to its classic look, quality materials and evident craftsmanship. Chairs are often considered especially revealing of a designer's skill because of the strict limits placed on their design by the demands of the human body. With these chairs, Johansson-Pape arrived at a clearly-structured solution in which a high degree of coherence is maintained while the chairs appear visually light and open. She followed the mid-century modern philosophy guided by functionality and simplicity. The elegant simplicity and honesty of the frames is enhanced by the upholstery which complements the both the shape and solid wood legs gracefully. The streamlined shape and soft fabric create not only a modern and elegant look, but also allows great comfort. The dark colour of the wood contrasts with the sheepskin upholstery creating visual interest while maintaining the perfect aesthetic balance of the chairs. This complementing nature can also be felt on a textural level, with sheepskin adding a tactile dimension through its soft, fluffy appearance, while the tapered legs add a modern, smooth feel.

Quality materials, organic curvature and innovative shape define the design of this pair. With the power to offer feeling of cosiness and comfort, these timeless chairs sit as well in contemporary spaces as they did in 1940s Finnish homes.‎

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lounge chairs have recently been reconditioned. The wood has some scratches and stains. Due to the age and nature of the sheepskin, the chairs may have marks and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

29.92 in W x 29.53 in D x 29.53 in H; Seat depth 22.05 in

76 cm W x 75 cm D x 75 cm H; Seat depth 56 cm

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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur

Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron established Votre Maison in 1949 together with cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq, and developed a distinctive body of French furniture during the post-war decades. Their work is particularly associated with solid oak, sculptural woodworking and upholstered seating, with the wooden structure often remaining clearly visible as an important part of the design. This pair of armchairs from the 1960s brings these characteristics together through expressive oak frames and generously upholstered seats and backs.

The chairs are built from solid oak frames with a particularly distinctive construction at the back. A series of vertical wooden spindles follows the curved outline of each backrest, creating an open framework that remains fully visible from behind. The spindles vary in their angle and position, giving the rear of the chairs a strong architectural rhythm while supporting the wide upholstered back cushions. These cushions curve along the backs and are finished with button tufting, adding depth to the textured striped fabric. Broad seat cushions sit above the upholstered lower sections, creating a comfortable body within the exposed wooden structure. The armrests have a gently shaped profile and extend forward to meet thick upright supports, which continue downward into curved front legs. Their rounded surfaces highlight the natural grain and warm tone of the oak. At the rear, the lower ends of the frame curve outward into small feet, adding another carved detail to the silhouette. The muted red, beige and cream tones of the upholstery complement the oak while allowing the elaborate woodworking to remain in focus.

The pair shows why Guillerme et Chambron’s seating is so recognisable within French design of the period. Their furniture gave traditional cabinetmaking a highly individual character through carved oak, unusual structural solutions and an emphasis on comfort. These armchairs are particularly effective as a pair as their open spindle backs make them interesting from every direction.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have minor marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The cushions have recently been reupholstered in in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

30.31 in W x 29.92 in D x 33.46 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 20.07 in; Arm height 21.25 in

77 cm W x 76 cm D x 85 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 54 cm

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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur

Art Deco seating from the first half of the 20th century brought together strong geometry, rich materials and interesting forms. Upholstered armchairs were particularly suited to this approach, as their larger surfaces could be shaped into bold silhouettes and contrasted with decorative wooden elements. This pair combines dark green upholstery with sweeping walnut-veneered details, creating a design in which wood becomes as visually important as the upholstered body.

The armchairs have substantial, slightly inclined backrests, giving them generous and comfortable proportions. Each backrest is divided into three vertical upholstered sections with a softly scalloped upper edge, adding definition to the broad surface and drawing the eye upward. The dark green upholstery continues across the seats, backs and side panels, giving the bodies a consistent colour and texture. The walnut veneer provides a striking contrast and forms a distinctive feature of the design. Large curved sections run along either side of each chair, forming part of the armrests before continuing downward towards the floor. Their continuous rounded shape complements the upholstered sides and gives the chairs a strong profile from every angle. At the same time, the wood creates gaps in the size, balancing the strong volume of the upholstered sections. The reddish-brown tone and visible grain of the walnut stand out against the muted green fabric, while the polished surface catches the light along each curve. Finally, short rectangular wooden feet support the front of the seats, while the back one mirror the curve of the armrests, tying the look together.

What makes these armchairs particularly appealing is the way the walnut veneer transforms an upholstered chair into a much more individual Art Deco design. Used together in a living room, library or conversation area, they offer both comfortable seating and the rich material character associated with European furniture at its best.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. The armrests have visible repairs made by a previous owner. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

28.74 in W x 31.10 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 17.51 in; Seat depth 20.86 in; Arm height 23.42 in

73 cm W x 79 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 44.5 cm; Seat depth 53 cm; Arm height 59.5 cm

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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

The European perspective on cabinetmaking is exceptional, and wood was an omnipresent material in mid-century modernism. This sumptuous rounded armchair features the immediately recognisable touches of Modernism: excellent materials, craftsmanship, and elegantly curved shapes.

This armchair holds all the characteristics that define Berga Möbler’s style, from the playful softness, to the organic sophistication. The chair is slightly tilted backwards by the tapered front legs. The curved and rounded backrest and armrests are a few elements that define the elegance of the chair. Slightly inclined towards the backrest, the armrests provide an excellent seating experience, making the chair a wonderful choice for any contemporary living space. Not only this, but the back is tufted with two large buttons that give the pieces a pleasant and welcoming appearance. The upholstery's texture adds to the visual appeal. It enhances the tactile experience, making it a delight to sit on. The frame is constructed from high-quality wood, ensuring durability and sturdiness. Furthermore, apart from being structurally integral, the legs add a touch of mid-century modern flair with their outward bend and smooth finish. The design of this chair possesses an elegant homely curviness, an aesthetic balance that is only seemingly easy to achieve, but this armchair exudes it.

Crafted with precision and finished with attention to detail and care for the aesthetic dimension, this armchair stands the test of time thanks to both its visual and material quality.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has recently been reupholstered 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:

29.52 in W x 34.25 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Seat depth 19.68 in; Arm height 23.62 in

75 cm W x 87 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 46cm; Seat depth 50 cm; Arm height 60 cm

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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur

Airborne was founded in France by Charles Bernard in 1951 and became known for a wide range of modern seating designs. By the 1970s, the company was producing furniture that explored modularity and new approaches to upholstered seating, allowing individual elements to be combined into larger arrangements. The “Patate” was designed as an ensemble of individual chair, corner and pouf units, with different configurations that could be created from them. This six-piece example captures that versatility.

There is a great balance in the execution of this sofa, achieved through the clever modular design and the continuous curves of its individual elements. Each module has a deep seat and a broad backrest that opens outward toward the upper edge, giving the seating an inviting, enveloping shape. Stitched lines radiate across the backrests and converge toward the seats, creating folds in the upholstery and emphasising the rounded construction. The thick seat cushions have a relaxed feel, with gathered fabric around their edges giving them a soft and rich appearance. The entire sofa is upholstered in soft brown fabric, in which the texture brings out different shades as light moves across the folds and curved surfaces. The six elements include straight seating modules and a rounded corner section, allowing the sofa to form the large curved arrangement shown or to be reorganised according to the space it occupies. This adaptability was fundamental to the original “Patate” system, and it maintains its functionality today.

The “Patate” represents the relaxed and increasingly informal approach to seating that made modular sofas such a distinctive part of 1970s interiors. Its six separate elements allow the composition to change with the space, while the deep seats make it particularly suited to lounging and conversation. As a piece of Airborne history, the “Patate” remains a distinctive example of French furniture from the 1970s.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item has some marks, scratches, cracks, and discolouration. The item comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. We recommend reupholstery for this item, each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

149.60 in W x 110.23 in D x 27.55 in H; Seat height 15.74 in

380 cm W x 280 cm D x 70 cm H; Seat height 40 cm

Individual unit:

38.18 in W x 39.37 in D x 28.74 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Seat depth 23.62 in

97 cm W x 100 cm D x 73 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Seat depth 60 cm

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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur

Italian Modern furniture is defined by unique design, precise execution and a strong relationship with Italy’s tradition of craftsmanship. This pair of “Bergamo” lounge chairs with matching ottomans by Paolo Buffa is a testament to the distinctive character of mid-century modernism in Italy. Buffa’s design language remains coherent with contemporary developments while retaining a clear connection to traditional furniture making, combining measured proportions, refined decorative details and carefully worked wooden structures.

This pair is focused on elegant proportions, balanced compositions and a rich interplay between geometric and flowing lines. The solid wooden frames are shaped with curved upper edges, slender tapered legs and open sides. The front legs rise effortlessly to form the sweeping armrests, creating a continuous line around the upholstered seats. Two crosses on each side introduce a sharper geometric rhythm, while the backs are formed from a sequence of slender vertical and diagonal wooden elements that give the chairs a striking open appearance both when viewed from behind and from the side. Thick upholstered seat cushions are paired with distinctive round back pillows, leaving much of the wooden back structure visible and enhancing the airy character of the design. The warm, light fabric contrasts with the darker wood and softens the architectural quality of the frames. Each chair is accompanied by a matching ottoman, constructed with the same tapered legs, shaped wooden frame and generously upholstered cushion. Placed together, the ottomans extend the composition of the chairs and reinforce the dialogue between solid upholstery and finely worked wood. The crossed panels, curved armrests, slender back elements and rounded cushions gives the set a dynamic appearance while retaining the elegance inherent in Buffa’s work.

Paolo Buffa was passionate about furniture and product design, an area in which he remained faithful to a figurative repertoire rooted in classicism while embracing impulses of modernity. He was highly active within the Milanese design scene, where traditional craftsmanship and modern ideas were continually brought into dialogue. The “Bergamo” chairs capture that combination particularly well, and the presence of their matching ottomans makes the pair especially complete, creating two inviting lounge settings with a strong decorative presence from every angle.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The set has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items have marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The chair and ottoman have been reupholstered recently in premium lambswool. 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

25.59 in W x 33.66 in D x 31.10 in H; Seat height 16.73 in; Seat depth 18.11 in; Arm height 22.83 in

65 cm W x 85.5 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 42.5 cm; Seat depth 46 cm; Arm height 58 cm

Footstool

20.66 in W x 16.92 in D x 16.53 in H

52.5 cm W x 43 cm D x 42 cm H

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‎Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

Alain Richard (1926–2017) was a French furniture and interior designer who graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in 1949, where he studied under René Gabriel. He established his own agency in 1952 and became part of a generation of French designers developing furniture for serial production during the post-war period. His work included furniture for Meubles TV and lighting for Disderot, alongside increasingly large interior and architectural projects. This model “704” armchair from the 1960s shows his interest in clean construction, contrasting materials, and furniture designed around clear functional elements.

Model “704” combines a compact upholstered seat and backrest with exposed wood and metal elements. The thick seat cushion has a rectangular shape with softly rounded corners, while the backrest is slightly inclined to provide a comfortable sitting position. The piece is upholstered in a textured olive-green fabric that gives the chair a warm, tactile appearance. The armrests feature padded horizontal sections that appear almost suspended on either side of the seat. A shaped wooden frame runs beneath the seat and continues upward behind the backrest, its warm tone contrasting with the upholstery. Dark screws remain visible along the side of the wooden seat rail, adding a small technical detail to the construction. Four slender metal legs are splayed outward beneath the body, countering the volume of the upholstered sections and giving the chair a light stance. The combination of upholstery, wood, and metal creates a clear separation between each part of the chair while keeping the overall composition balanced.

Richard received several important distinctions throughout his career, including the Prix René Gabriel in 1964, and this chair is proof of his talent. Its combination of French modernist design and a balanced mix of materials makes it an interesting addition to a living room, study or reading area, particularly for collectors of post-war French furniture.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the chair has some marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The seat cushion was newly produced and upholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

24.40 in W x 23.62 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 19.68 in; Seat depth 16.53 in; Arm height 25.59 in

62 cm W x 60 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 50 cm; Seat depth 42 cm; Arm height 65 cm

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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur

European seating design from the 1940s often sits at the intersection between late Art Deco and the early stages of modernism. While earlier decades favoured more elaborate ornamentation, this period saw a gradual simplification of form, with designers focusing more on proportion, silhouette, and comfort.

This pair of armchairs follow that direction through their restrained yet carefully shaped form. From the rounded backs, to the tapered wooden legs, the elements reflect both the elegance of Art Deco and a move toward more practical, everyday use. In these armchairs, this is evident in the pronounced curve of the wooden arms that define the overall look. Since the arms create a hollow form, the beautiful upholstery is visible from the sides as well, further complementing the gentle curvature. The upholstery, in a deep green tone, gives the pair its visual identity, introducing both colour and a soft texture that contrasts with the sleek and slender wooden legs below. Each chair stands on slender legs that echo the solid construction and frame the upholstered body without distracting from it.

This pair of armchairs exemplifies a tradition of European seating that values both comfort and design, making them a perfect choice for interiors that appreciate material honesty and functional refinement. The pairing of materials give them a distinctive but versatile presence, whether placed in a living room, study, or relaxed seating area.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have marks, scratches and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

52.59 in W x 34.64 in D x 38.77 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Seat depth 20.07 in; Arm height 24.60 in

65 cm W x 88 cm D x 98.5 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 62.5 cm

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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

This beautiful chair design was crafted by French duo Audoux-Minet. Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet worked together during the mid-20th century, and are known for their innovative use of natural, sustainable materials, including rope, wicker, and bamboo. Their work was heavily influenced by the Modernist movement, which sought to create functional and streamlined designs that were accessible to a wider audience.

Like in Scandinavia, there was an early emphasis on wood in most French mid-century design - it connected everyday objects to nature. These chairs are a perfect example of this sentiment, and the visual benefits of an understated, organic design. The high quality woven papercord makes the pieces an outstanding example of woven furniture. They feature a fairly traditional shape with soft edges and an airy feel. The straightforward shape highlights the understated beauty of the materials, allowing the beautiful woven pattern and the grain of the wood to stand out. The interplay of a simple structure and refined detailing evokes a sense of harmony, aligning with the era’s focus on blending beauty with utility. The organic design makes these pieces stand out with an elemental edge. The colour palette further allows easy adaptation to almost any interior, functioning to either complement a space or to stand out as an accent.

Today, Audoux and Minet's designs are highly sought after by collectors and are considered important examples of mid-century modern design. Furniture pieces like this pair of armchairs stand out through their unique textures, and their materials, as well as their classic charm.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have minor marks, scratches, dents and discolouration.

Dimensions:

17.51 in W x 20.86 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Seat depth 17.51 in

44.5 cm W x 53 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Seat depth 44.5 cm

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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.