This pair of “TeVe Stolen” or “The TV chairs” was designed in 1953, during the most active period of Swedish furniture designer Alf Svensson.  This chair is a piece that is typically designed in the Scandinavian modern style.

The chairs’ simple and functional design, starting from the wooden frames’ symmetric lines to the visible joints and screws, is highly representative of the principles of Scandinavian mid-century design. The gently spread out legs assure stability and comfort. The wooden frames appear to be firmly holding the back- and seat rests, which is even more apparent thanks to the soft sheepskin upholstery. The sheepskin further highlights the round edges of the seat- and back rests, which contrasts nicely with the straight lines of the frames. There are brass details visible on the backs, connecting the seats and the frames. While it is a subtle detail, these brass rings give this pair a distinctive, modern edge.  

Alf Svensson’s design was manufactured by Studio Ljungs Industrier AB Malmö during the 1950s and as the name suggests, this model’s main objective was functionality. At the same time, as it can be expected from a mid-century Scandinavian design pieces, the aesthetic dimension does not fall behind.  

SOLD

Condition: 

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

Dimensions: 

24.8 in W x 24.4 in D x 27.95 in H; Seat height 15.55 in

63 cm W x 62 cm D x 71 cm H; Seat height 39.5 cm

About the designer: 

Swedish furniture designer Alf Svensson (1929-1992) was particularly active in the 1950s through the 1970s, designing, storage, tables and seating for a variety of influential manufacturers. Information available on Svensson is sparse despite his work spanning through various fields of furniture design. Today, the designer is mainly remembered and sought after for his seating designs. 

During the 1950s, like many of his Swedish and Scandinavian contemporaries, Svensson utilised traditional materials such as richly grained teak, rosewood and leather to create pieces that were typically designed in the Scandinavian modern style. Examples include the Contour Lounge Chair (1950s) and the Te-Ve Chair (1953) for Ljungs Industrier and the sectional Domus 1 Chair (1955) for Dux, which was originally designed for the H55 exhibition in Helsinborg, Sweden. Svensson also designed tables for Tingströms, lighting for Bergboms, and storage solutions for Bjästa. 

Svensson’s designs for the Swedish furniture makers Dux and Ljungs Industrier are arguably his most well-known. In particular, his collection of easy chairs and lounge chairs - known as the Form Series - which was designed in the 1960s and ‘70s. ~H.