"Susanna" Lounge Chair by Aake Anttila for Lahden Lepokalusto, Finland 1950s (sold)
"Susanna" Lounge Chair by Aake Anttila for Lahden Lepokalusto, Finland 1950s (sold)
This wonderful commemoration of Finnish mid-century design is the Susanna lounge chair created by Lahden Lepokalusto and designed in the 1950s by Aake Antilla. Famous for its suspension and structure, this model quickly became beloved in Finland.
Due to a shortage of material, the interior design in the 1950s was plain, even spartan at times. The typical features of furniture of the era were tapered legs and the use of hardwood materials, with an overall restrained aesthetic. Aake Antilla was one of a group of people that established Lepokalusto in 1953. Antilla was in charge of designing all of the furniture in the first few years - that included this chair - which immediately caught the attention of the press. With its attention grabbing shape and exceptional comfort, it is no wonder why. Gentle, rounded lines characterize the design with a solid wooden structure that is seemingly quite simple. In reality, the engineering is quite remarkable, from the way the legs are formed to how the back connects to them and supports the upholstered back cushion. The thick seat and back cushions upholstered in a light bouclé upholstery perfectly complete and enhance the frame while also providing luxurious comfort. This “Susanna” lounge chair is very precise work that praises Lepo’s craftsmen and shows just how important prerequisites a well-researched structure and the anatomical proportions were for the designer.
Lahden Lepokalusto (commonly known as Lepo), began to manufacture upholstered furniture using the “world-renowned Epeda method.” The models in the Susanna line already appeared in the company’s first printed catalogue, foreshadowing the success the company would soon achieve.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lounge chair has been 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:
24.8 in W x 27.95 in D x 33.66 in H; Seat height 17.13 in; Seat depth 16.93 in
63 cm W x 71 cm D x 85.5 cm H; Seat height 43.5 cm; Seat depth 43 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
The “Laila” model by the Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen, originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection.
This pair of armchairs are from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating, that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushions and back with five tufted buttons. The bodies have the classic Nordic look, which explains the contemporary popularity of these armchairs both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the soft sheepskin upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well.
Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930, the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s present Laila armchairs.
Condition:
In good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the material, the chairs may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
32.67 in W x 34.64 in D x 34.44 in H; Seat height 17.71 in
83 cm W x 88 cm D x 87.5 cm H; Seat height 45 cm