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, part of the series of chalet furnishings, 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 graphic outline. From the welcoming winged body and the solid wood frame to the cosy bouclé upholstery, this chair expresses a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that provokes a feeling of contentment. The distinctive shape is a result of the two “ears” that encompass the sitter. The overall construction is quite angular but due to Hjorth’s master craftsmanship, the rounded side profile of the “ears” and armrests allow for a softer look, ensuring the chair would fit seamlessly into a living room. The chair also offers comfortable padding through the loose, removable plush cushions and headrest. Upholstered in a cream boucle fabric, these pillows complete the design both textually, and visually, harmonising with the warm tone of the pine wood. The design is completed by the short legs - while the back ones are constructed from the same piece of wood as the rest of the body, the front legs show the mark of a master cabinetmaker through their joinery.

Axel Einar Hjorth’s “Sportstugemöbler” series that this armchair is part of had an influence on the design world, inspiring both his contemporaries, such as Carl Malmsten, as well as fore-running international designers like Charlotte Perriand. This chair stands as proof of Hjorth’s characteristic style, and as an iconic piece of “primitive modernism”.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The cushions have been newly produced. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

27.55 in W x 33.85 in D x 44.09 in H; Seat height 19.68 in; Seat depth 22.83 in; Arm height 23.81 in

70 cm W x 86 cm D x 112 cm H; Seat height 50 cm; Seat depth 58 cm; Arm height 60.5 cm