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

By the 1920s, Carl Malmsten became one of the most sought-after interior and furniture designers in all of Sweden. As a furniture maker he expressed the old, inherited forms as well as the new, bold ideas with his language of design. “Lata Greven”, Swedish for Lazy Count, is Carl Malmsten’s most successful “count chair”.  With a klismos-style curved back, this model was produced at O.H. Sjögren, a manufacturer that Malmsten often worked with.

This model is a simplified version of the “Jonas Love” armchair, which Carl Malmsten designed for the New York World Fair 1939. Sweeping curves with an organic impression and utmost quality are the main characteristics that define this pair of chairs. Even as a young designer in the early 20th century, Malmsten advocated artisanal furniture design based on local materials and traditions. “Break all edges thoroughly” was a frequent instruction on his drawings and nature was his great source of inspiration, therefore sharp edges or corners can rarely be found in his designs. This “Lata Greven” model is no different, with round, outward curving edges on the back and arms, and an upholstered, cosy seat and back. The organicity of the design is not broken by ornamentation, instead the charming green upholstery is utilised to highlight the shape of the chairs. The chairs are supported by slim, tapered legs made of solid wood with a stunning grain.

Carl Malmsten designed a number of so called “Grevar” (Counts) between the 1930s and 1950s and they were often commissioned for special people or projects. The chairs’ manufacturer, O.H. Sjögren is a furniture factory in Tranås in Småland, and has been active for over 110 years and is thus one of the oldest active furniture manufacturing companies in Sweden. Since the 1950s, O.H. Sjögren manufactured furniture designed by Carl Malmsten, where in the 1950s and 60s, he spent a lot of time to develop his furniture designs.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have 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:

23.62 in W x 25.59 in D x 29.92 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Seat depth 18.50 in; Arm height 25.59 in

60 cm W x 65 cm D x 76 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 47 cm; Arm height 65 cm

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

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Carl Malmsten’s life's work spans nearly sixty intense years and his legacy is considered a national treasure in Sweden. He created a number of furniture classics including these rare “Elder man” armchairs.

His entire work is characterized by a close-to-nature philosophy which is deeply rooted in Swedish nature and commoner culture. A deeper knowledge of Carl Malmsten as a person means that his furniture can be seen not only as utilitarian objects, but also as artistic works with the ability to express a feeling or mood. These winged armchairs carry with them that certain “Malmstenesque” that is characterized by gentle curves, a cosy appearance and of course, the highest quality craftsmanship. This is especially visible in the flowing armrests that descend from the top, curling outwards to create a welcoming look. The slightly bent backrests are tufted with dark brown leather stitches that contrast with the light bouclé upholstery both in colour and texture to create a stylish, visually interesting look. As it can be expected from the “Master of Wood”, the frames are expertly designed, with ergonomic and aesthetic principles at their core. To complete the mid-century look, the structures are supported by tapered, solid wood legs that add an organic touch to the design.

In the 50s, Carl Malmsten’s furniture were produced in small series in smaller workshops, which meant that the furniture became very expensive and thus inaccessible to most people. He then decided to select a number of producers who could produce his furniture in larger volumes without sacrificing quality, beauty, and practicality. In Tranås he came into contact with O.H. Sjögren which he considered fulfilled all the high demands he placed on the production of upholstered furniture.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé 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:

Chair 1

28.74 in W x 34.64 in D x 41.33 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Arm height 21.65 in

73 cm W x 88 cm D x 105 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Arm height 55 cm

Chair 2

29.52 in W x 32.67 in D x 41.73 in H; Seat height 14.56 in; Arm height 21.65 in

75 cm W x 83 cm D x 106 cm H; Seat height 37 cm; Arm height 55 cm

About the Designer:

Carl Malmsten (December 7, 1888 – August 13, 1972) was a Swedish furniture designer, architect, and educator. Malmsten was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Malmsten's career took off when he won a competition in 1916 to design furniture for the Stockholm City Hall and shortly after in 1917, he exhibited alongside well-known Swedish architects such as Gunnar Asplund and Uno Åhrén.

In the 1920s he was invited to furnish a room for the crown prince, Gustaf VI Adolf, and his wife Louise in Ulriksdal Palace. He was honoured with an inaugural Prince Eugen Medal for design in 1945. Already as a young designer in the early 20th century, Carl Malmsten advocated an artisanal furniture design based on local ingredients and traditions, available to a wide audience at a reasonable price.

Nature was Carl Malmsten's foremost teacher and source of inspiration. He conveyed his love of craftsmanship as a teacher in his own schools, at Olofskolan in Stockholm, Capellagården on Öland and the Carl Malmsten school on Lidingö, today a branch of Linköping University and one of the country's leading design colleges. As a debater, Malmsten stormed against functionalism, but in retrospect it can be seen that his ideas often coincided with the rational and frugal style ideals of function.

Malmsten has had a lasting influence on Swedish furniture design through the two schools he founded—the Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies (Carl Malmstensskolan), which has been a part of Linköping University since 2000, is situated on the island of Lidingö on the outskirts of Stockholm. Carl Malmsten spoke about the importance of tradition, craftsmanship, and the nation. His furniture was in many ways a product of the thoughts and ideals of the time, they have a timeless quality that makes them just as relevant and loved today. ~H.

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

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In the mid-1950s, Carl Malmsten awarded ten small furniture companies, mainly in Småland, the honour of making a series of some of his products. Among the first pieces was Farmor, which soon became the most popular armchair in production.

In 1956, Carl Malmsten was on one of his regular visits to Sjögren's Upholstery Workshop in Tranås to develop new models for his furniture program. That was when these “Grandma” armchairs came into being and since then, the model has become a dear family member in many Swedish homes. Carl Malmsten wanted the furniture to express a special feeling or mood, which is also reflected in how he named them. These armchairs’ name relates to the design’s utmost comfort, that is exuded through the friendly and round shapes, femininity and cosiness. The pair’s frames are made of solid pine from Swedish forests to provide a sturdy base. The high-backs have an unmistakeable “crown” on top of them, that complements the armrests’ outward curling lines. The sitting comfort of this model is quite famous, the seat and the springs together, create extreme comfort. The plump seats and button tufting further add to the warm feeling of the design, while keeping it stylish and modern.

Carl Malmsten wanted these Farmor or Grandmother armchairs to express a particular feeling of warmth and comfort with the friendly and rounded forms. The femininity and the impression of homecoming that is often associated with the word ‘grandma’ is apparent in the design, which is undoubtedly why this model has been continuously beloved for the past six decades.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in 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:

28.34 in W x 33.85 in D x 39.96 in H; Seat height 18.3 in

72 cm W x 86 cm D x 101.5 cm H; Seat height 46.5 cm

About the designer:

Carl Malmsten (December 7, 1888 – August 13, 1972) was a Swedish furniture designer, architect, and educator. Malmsten was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Malmsten's career took off when he won a competition in 1916 to design furniture for the Stockholm City Hall and shortly after in 1917, he exhibited alongside well-known Swedish architects such as Gunnar Asplund and Uno Åhrén.

In the 1920s he was invited to furnish a room for the crown prince, Gustaf VI Adolf, and his wife Louise in Ulriksdal Palace. He was honoured with an inaugural Prince Eugen Medal for design in 1945. Already as a young designer in the early 20th century, Carl Malmsten advocated an artisanal furniture design based on local ingredients and traditions, available to a wide audience at a reasonable price.

Nature was Carl Malmsten's foremost teacher and source of inspiration. He conveyed his love of craftsmanship as a teacher in his own schools, at Olofskolan in Stockholm, Capellagården on Öland and the Carl Malmsten school on Lidingö, today a branch of Linköping University and one of the country's leading design colleges. As a debater, Malmsten stormed against functionalism, but in retrospect it can be seen that his ideas often coincided with the rational and frugal style ideals of function.

Malmsten has had a lasting influence on Swedish furniture design through the two schools he founded—the Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies (Carl Malmstensskolan), which has been a part of Linköping University since 2000, is situated on the island of Lidingö on the outskirts of Stockholm. Carl Malmsten spoke about the importance of tradition, craftsmanship and the nation. His furniture was in many ways a product of the thoughts and ideals of the time, they have a timeless quality that makes them just as relevant and loved today. ~H.

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

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Carl Malmsten devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by Swedish country manors and rustic styles. In this spirit, his armchairs are regarded today as the most typical of Malmsten’s furniture.

In his work, Carl Malmsten often returned to his earlier designs, which he renewed and simplified. Like “Samsas”, which, when it was designed in 1960, had its roots in a model that was almost 40 years old. Like Samsas’s, this pair’s predecessor was most likely the armchair “Konsert”, designed for the Stockholm Concert Hall in 1923. This upholstered pair has everything required in an armchair: expression, comfort with a big form, fine lines and details. The design is quite soft, and conveys cosiness. The most apparent design element is the shape of the armrests, curved outwards to create a stylish look, while also adding functional comfort to the structures. The slender wooden legs add modernism to the design, and they prevent the chairs from looking heavy. Their warm brown colour nicely contrasts to the soft, light colour of the upholstery. With a frame made of solid wood, these armchairs have sturdy structures that were created to last.

Carl Malmsten had a lasting influence on Swedish, and even on contemporary furniture design. He was known for his devotion to ‘slöjd’, traditional Swedish craftsmanship, which is visible in every one of his models. In these armchairs, slöjd is combined with modern elements and luxurious upholstery, to create stylish pieces with longevity for generations to come.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The pair has been reupholstered recently in premium bouclé 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:

31.1 in W x 29.72 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 17.71 in

79 cm W x 75.5 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 45 cm

About the designer:

Carl Malmsten (December 7, 1888 – August 13, 1972) was a Swedish furniture designer, architect, and educator. Malmsten was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Malmsten's career took off when he won a competition in 1916 to design furniture for the Stockholm City Hall and shortly after in 1917, he exhibited alongside well-known Swedish architects such as Gunnar Asplund and Uno Åhrén.

In the 1920s he was invited to furnish a room for the crown prince, Gustaf VI Adolf, and his wife Louise in Ulriksdal Palace. He was honoured with an inaugural Prince Eugen Medal for design in 1945. Already as a young designer in the early 20th century, Carl Malmsten advocated an artisanal furniture design based on local ingredients and traditions, available to a wide audience at a reasonable price.

Nature was Carl Malmsten's foremost teacher and source of inspiration. He conveyed his love of craftsmanship as a teacher in his own schools, at Olofskolan in Stockholm, Capellagården on Öland and the Carl Malmsten school on Lidingö, today a branch of Linköping University and one of the country's leading design colleges. As a debater, Malmsten stormed against functionalism, but in retrospect it can be seen that his ideas often coincided with the rational and frugal style ideals of function.

Carl Malmsten has had a lasting influence on Swedish furniture design through the two schools he founded—the Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies (Carl Malmstensskolan), which has been a part of Linköping University since 2000, is situated on the island of Lidingö on the outskirts of Stockholm. Carl Malmsten spoke about the importance of tradition, craftsmanship and the nation. His furniture was in many ways a product of the thoughts and ideals of the time, they have a timeless quality that makes them just as relevant and loved today. ~H.