Carl Malmsten devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by the cultural examples of the Swedish country manor and rustic styles – furniture endowed with a creative simplicity, with a feeling for the wood itself, with function in mind and a high technical quality.

Malmsten’s fine sense of proportion, line tension and balance between the surfaces, and how skilfully he carried in the heritage of traditional allmoge (folk art) design is evident in this set of a sofa and “Visingsö” armchairs. This “CM” signed sofa was originally created as a sofa bed, which is traceable in the frame’s structure. The back and arms are comprised of vertical slats, creating an airy look that pairs well with the upholstered, removable cushions. Similarly, this pair of Visingsö chairs is – design-wise- in the vein of Swedish modernism, with simplicity and functionality, while also showcasing the subtle details and quality Malmsten is known and appreciated for. The wooden spindles comprising the back are the most apparent visual feature of the chairs, while the more subtle details, such as the connecting point of the arms and seats make these models interesting. The light bouclé fabric is beautifully framed by both the sofa and the chairs, highlighting the interesting texture of the wood and the fabric as well. The back and seat cushions are quite rotund; therefore, the sitting comfort of this set is great.

This set is an elegant and comfortable evidence of the mastery and artistry of the Swedish cabinetmakers who defined mid-20th century modern seating. O. H. Sjögren was one of these renowned workshops, materializing a great deal of Carl Malmsten’s most brilliant designs. This set is of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. As a furniture maker, Carl Malmsten expressed the old, inherited forms as well as the new, bold ideas with his language of design. The result will forever be the same - beautiful, eternal, and individual pieces of furniture which create a unified and harmonious feeling.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches and marks on the wood. The pieces of this set have been reupholstered recently in light bouclé fabric.

Dimensions:

Sofa

79.92 in W x 29.52 in D x 29.92 in H; Seat height 16.92 in

203 cm W x 75 cm D x 76 cm H; Seat height 43 cm

Chairs

24.21 in W x 33.85 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 17.71 in

61.5 cm W x 86 cm D x 82 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.

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.