"Aulanko" Armchair by Märta Blomstedt for Hotel Aulanko, Finland 1930s (sold)
















"Aulanko" Armchair by Märta Blomstedt for Hotel Aulanko, Finland 1930s (sold)
The Finnish architect and designer, Märta Blomstedt, was one of the driving forces of the Finnish functionalism movement. Her first works were noted for their functional, rather than decorative appearance, which clearly changed as evidence by this famous “Aulanko” armchair model.
Blomstedt designed all aspects of her buildings including the furnishings, demonstrated in one of her most noted designs of the Hotel Aulanko. The hotel was conceived as a single work of art and the furnishings, dishes and textiles were part of the project. This model – designed in 1939 - got its name after this architectural project and was specifically designed for the lobby of the hotel in Hämeenlinna, Finland. While it has been stated before that this model was heavily inspired by Fleming Lassen's genre-defining 'Tired Man' wing chair from 1935, the “Aulanko” became world-famous in its own right. Most notable is the voluminous body that stands on four bun shaped feet. While this model originally had tubular steel legs, various iterations were produced for the hotel over the subsequent decades. This version with spherical wooden bun feet is one of the earliest examples created and until the late 1940s, Artek marketed this version of the armchair. The flowing, round lines are beautifully accentuated by the light sheepskin. Furthermore, the warm brown colour of the wooden feet nicely contrasts to the soft, light colour of the upholstery, creating a cosy look, not to mention that wooden bun feet make a long-lasting, rock solid foundation for any chair.
The large curves and rounded edges of the body and feet are very inviting, asking the user to be embraced by the soft sheepskin. The Aulanko Hotel in Hämeenlinna (the city of Jean Sibelius) was in its time a luxury hotel of international relevance. In this “Aulanko” chair, Finnish functionalist elegance, and Blomstetdt’s artistry is conveyed at its best.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. 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:
41.73 in W x 42.51 in D x 34.64 in H; Seat height 16.14 in
106 cm W x 108 cm D x 88 cm H; Seat height 41 cm
Literature:
"Hotel Aulanko bei Tavastehus (Hämeenlinna): Architekten Märta Blomstedt und Matti Lampén," Das Werk: Architektur und Kunst = L'oeuvre: architecture et art, no. 27, 1940, p. 95 for a similar example
About the designer:
Märta Blomstedt (1899–1982) was an architect and one of the driving forces of the Finnish functionalism movement. She studied architecture at the Helsinki University of Technology and graduated as an architect in 1922. After graduating from the Helsinki University of Technology, Blomstedt (born von Willebrand) worked in several architecture agencies in the city of Turku in 1922 before undertake ambitious travel in Italy and in France until 1929.
After her husband's death, initially she formed a firm with Matti Lampén to complete projects her husband and she had begun. Later, she and Lampén established a firm designing their own creations. Among the works Blomstedt and Lampén designed were the Hotel Aulanko in Hämeenlinna. She approached her projects holistically and designs all aspects of it, perhaps the best example being the Hotel Aulanko in Hämeenlinna, Finland. The hotel Aulanko was designed as a work of art with the furnishings, dishes and textiles being a part of the building concept. The hotel was completed in 1939, and was a shining example of Finnish functionalism with furnishings by Artek, Taito and Stockmann. Märta Blomstedt contributed with a now highly sought after chair. The chairs made for the hotel, approximately 30 models, were created by cabinetmaker Arvo Laine in Hämeenlinna.
After Lampén’s passing, Blomstedt established a partnership with Olli Penttilä and continued to work into the 1970s as Blomstedt & Penttilä until her death in 1982.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This beautiful Danish lounge chair is an early example of Scandinavian mid-century modern design as well as outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and users. The period from roughly the 1940s through the 1960s was a high point for Danish furniture makers, and this chair shows why.
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this lounge chair is a Danish delicacy with a unique look. With its classic shape paired with modern design elements, it combines the best design characteristics of the 1940s. The large, enveloping backrest dictates the shape of this chair, as it forms most of the structure, including the armrests. The curvature creates an inviting and open look, enhanced by the soft sheepskin upholstery. The inside of the upholstered back is sectioned which creates a shell-like look. The thick, bun feet-like front legs are a pleasant touch. The warm brown colour of the stained wood nicely contrasts to the off-white sheepskin, not to mention the thick wooden feet make a long-lasting, rock solid foundation for any chair. The chair’s back legs differ, they are straight, which is an eccentric detail that adds visual interest. Master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritising comfort just as much as the visual qualities, therefore this lounge chair provides support for the back and great sitting comfort.
Perfectly suited for a vintage or contemporary interior, this chair represents a marriage of artistry and comfort. Its upholstery captures attention, adding warmth and vibrancy to any space, while the wooden feet are grounding, together making this piece into an ideal statement piece.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some scratches and marks. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the chair may have additional discolouration. The chair has recently been reupholstered 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:
34.25 in W x 33.46 in D x 27.55 in H; Seat height 14.56 in
87 cm W x 85 cm D x 70 cm H; Seat height 37 cm