Ole Wanscher “Model 1673” High Back Chairs for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1940s (sold)
Ole Wanscher “Model 1673” High Back Chairs for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1940s (sold)
The simple and refined aesthetic of this pair of chairs stems from Ole Wanscher’s reinvention of classic forms, for which he became a key-player of the Danish mid-century movement.
In this model, Wanscher combined fully and equally his design talents with that of a master craftsman, namely Fritz Hansen. In particular, his sensitivity to the delicacy of wood enabled him to bring organic life and a rich sense of the past to the indelibly modern spareness of Mid-Century Modernism. The handcrafted solid wood frames are fully reupholstered in a premium wool blend fabric. The stained beech legs follow the curves of the chairs, which is especially visible in the gently curved back legs. The high backs with stylish button tufting are flared, giving the chairs an elegant, slender look.
This Danish modern pair– despite its name – in many ways transcends the word ‘modern’. These chairs have a style that can be incorporated successfully into contemporary and traditional interiors, urban and country alike, lending themselves to a timeless and universal appeal.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. The chair has been recently reupholstered 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:
27.55 in W x 31.49 in D x 44.48 in H; Seat height 19.29 in
70 cm W x 80 cm D x 113 cm H; Seat height 49 cm
About the designer:
Ole Wanscher (1903-1985) was an architect-designer and professor, and is known today as one of the leading figures in the Scandinavian Design movement.
Wanscher studied at the Danish School of Art and Design, and was highly influenced by his professor, Kaare Klint. After graduation, Wanscher worked with Klint between 1924 and 1927, then set up his first own office, specializing in furniture design. By the end of the 1940s, Wanscher made a name for himself for his quality designs. As the Danish newspaper Politiken put it: “'Owning a Wanscher-chair is an adventure every day, and will be so even several hundred years from now, for this is how long it lasts”.
In the 1950s, Wanscher left his private firm to begin an association with P. Jeppesens Mobelfabrik A/S that would last for the rest of his professional life. Ole Wanscher's work has remained sought after by furniture collectors thanks to his designs that are most-often described as "delicate", "elegant", and "orderly". Today, Wanscher’s pieces are considered to be modern classics and are still adored for their detail and the designer’s deep respect for materials. ~H.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
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.