Skrindan Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for OPE Möbler Jönköping, Sweden 1960s (sold)
Skrindan Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for OPE Möbler Jönköping, Sweden 1960s (sold)
The “Skrindan” sofa model was designed in 1967 by iconic Swedish designer, Kerstin Hörlin-Homquist. Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, she created some of the most famous Swedish models of the era.
The unique solid wood frame is a visual delight, with subtle decorative elements that distinguish this sofa from other models of the era. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created her models with such precision and creativity that still makes them collectible pieces. Thanks to her unique vision, this model has an unmistakable back and sides comprised of symmetrically arranged spindles. As the backs and armrests sit relatively low, the sofa has an open, cosy look. The upholstered, bight blue coloured loose back and seat cushions elevate the visual comfort. Uniquely, the armrests have their own cushions on the sides, which is a charming detail. The subtle elements of decoration further include the tufted buttons on the cushions and the sculpted ends of the arms and legs.
OPE (Olof Persson Fåtöljindustri) Möbler, Jönköping produced the furniture designs of some of Scandinavia’s most renowned designers, such as Ib Kofod-Larsen, Ingemar Thillmark, and of course, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist and her Skrindan line, including an armchair model and this sofa. The Skrindan line’s pieces are exemplary of Swedish mid-century quality and design to their core, uniting functionality with an understated, yet interesting and elegant design.
SOLD
Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. This sofa comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
76.18 in W x 34.25 in D x 31.1 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
193.5 cm W x 87 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat Height 43 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
In the 1950s, Italian design took a crucial turn from the technical, formal and artistic point of view. Designers took tips from names in contemporary art and architecture like Alvar Aalto, Marcel Breuer and F. L. Wright. A natural fit, considering that most of the Italian designers were architects and engineers.
This sofa aesthetically predates the great industrial era, with a more classic look and materials. With elegance and functionality at the core of the design, there is an unmistakeable Italian vibe to this piece. Like Scandinavian mid-century design, Italian design liked to blend form with function, which is evident here as well. The body is gently curved, with the three seats sectioned with the seat cushions. These give the sofa a cosy and modern look, while also emphasizing the main curve. The design is quite ‘social’ in the sense that it encourages interaction thanks to its shape. At the same time, the design is also very open, which is the result of the absence of armrests and its sheer size. The body is supported by six, symmetrically arranged tapered legs. The wooden legs add a detail that is characteristic of mid-century modernism.
Generally, Italian designers like shapes that are very fluid and pleasant. Because of their emotional and suggestive charge, they appear simple and yet complex at the same time. Here, the so-called banana shape, the tapered wooden legs, and the elegant, green velvet upholstery create this charge that is explicitly Italian.
Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Traces of wear and use. This sofa comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Although the upholstery looks good at first glance, we would recommend reupholstering. 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:
94.48 in W x 28.14 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 17.71 in
240 cm W x 71.5 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 45 cm