Curved Easy Chair in the manner of Erik Bertil Karlén, Sweden 1940s (sold)
Curved Easy Chair in the manner of Erik Bertil Karlén, Sweden 1940s (sold)
The dark wood, the beautiful upholstery, and timeless design in the manner of Erik Bertil Karlén make this rare easy chair a beautiful representation of Swedish mid-century modern design history.
For this model, nature was evidently a great source of inspiration, therefore sharp edges or corners can rarely be found. With a tremendous sense of proportion, this chair model is very comfortable and fulfils its task to “serve well” and last for lifetimes. Without any ornamentation, the focus here is on the round, flowing lines of the body and its upholstery. The design has the wingback look with sides that embrace the sitter in a cosy way. On the upper end, the “wings” curve outward, which opens up the design. What makes this model special is how the back and seat form one unit both visually and structurally. This shell-like form has a masterful curve that follows the human body’s shape therefore the chair is very ergonomic. The dark, wooden tapered legs are connected by stretchers on the sides and highlight the body with their understated look. The light upholstery with appealing button tufting provides an elegant look with its textured look and a cosy sitting experience thanks to its softness.
Swedish Modern design is a distinctive style that represents a design philosophy, guided by functionality, simplicity and clean lines. The design of this model is in favour of the user, maintaining the focus on authentic simplicity.
SOLD
Condition:
In very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently 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:
28.14 in W x 28.74in D x 33.26 in H; Seat height 16.14 in
71.5 cm W x 73 cm D x 84.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm
Literature:
Form: Svenska slöjdföreningens tidskrift, Svenska slöjdföreningen, Stockholm, 1943, p. 87.
Hedqvist, Hedvig & Björk, Christian, "Swedish Modern : En historia om modernismens yttringar i Sverige genom design, inredning och formgivning", Orosdi-Back, 2018, p. 228-229.
About the designer:
Erik Bertil Karlén was born on February 22, 1912 in Sundbyberg, Sweden. He was a Swedish architect and designer. His architecture characterized many areas of Stockholm’s suburbs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
After his training as an architect at KTH in the 1930s, Karlén got a job as an architect at Fortifikationsstyrelsen's Kasernbyrå in 1940. One of his major works at this time was designing the buildings for Svea Livgarde in Sörentorp, Solna municipality, which was completed in 1946. He gave the buildings a simple but careful architectural style using predominantly red brick as the facade material. Some had brick in combination with dark-glazed wood panels.
As many of his contemporary Scandinavian architects, Karlén also designed furniture, mostly seating models. His designs however, remain very rare to this day.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
This lounge chair and ottoman is an elegant and comfortable evidence of the mastery and artistry of the European cabinetmakers who defined mid-20th century modern seating. This duo is of the highest quality, both in terms of visual quality, materials, and craftsmanship. Mid-century modern is notable for its blending of classic modern design with a slightly more updated feel. This beautiful lounge chair and ottoman have a classic, comfortable style that is a prime example of the best qualities of what is referred to as mid-century modernism.
European furniture from the mid-20th century revolutionized the history of what we consider modern design today. Lounge chairs in particular have become unrivalled references in it. Cabinetmaker lounge chairs may seem similar at first sight, however each model’s individuality becomes evident upon closer inspection. In this lounge chair’s case, its sheer volume and the welcoming, “bear-like” shape stand out immediately. Still, it is the upholstered legs that provide its unique visual character. The synthesis that this chair and ottoman have achieved between form and function is outstanding, aesthetics and utility come together in a purely mid-century manner. The fully upholstered wooden frame rests on upholstered wood legs. The legs’ shape is still visible despite being covered in fabric. Without any tufting or festooning, the focus is on the round, flowing lines of the bodies and their upholstery. The exceptionally soft, premium wool blend fabric highlights the frames’ round edges, especially the chair’s voluminous arm- and backrest and similarly, the ottoman’s body.
We have added a matching, upholstered ottoman to provide additional comfort and visual interest. The round back and similarly upholstered legs on the ottoman are a pleasant touch that make a long-lasting, rock solid foundation for any seating. They also tie the ottoman to the chair visually. From the frames to the upholstery, this lounge chair and ottoman guarantee utmost quality and longevity. The pieces of this set are -quite literally - fully upholstered in a premium wool blend fabric that lends them a luxurious impression. Thanks to this combination of materials, the set is extremely soft and comfortable.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair and ottoman have been reupholstered recently in a premium blend of alpaca wool. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
Chair:
31.1 in W x 31.49 in D x 27.75 in H; Seat height 16.53 in
79 cm W x 80 cm D x 70.5 cm H; Seat height 42 cm
Ottoman:
26.37 in W x 21.65 in D x 15.74 in H
67 cm W x 55 cm D x 40 cm H