This moulded and laminated beech armchair by Nils Rooth has a sensuous curved and flowing appearance.

The lines blend into each other, especially the armrests. The dramatically sculpted armrests and slightly curved legs are accentuated by a darker line of wood running throughout the structure. The Vienna’s backrest is made out of tightly woven cane. The loose seat cushion is upholstered in a blind tufted, desaturated green linen fabric that follows the ergonomic curve of the seat.

The manufacturer, Swedese Möbler AP, is a Swedish manufacturer founded in 1945 by brothers Yngve and Jerker Ekström and Bertil Sjöqvist. The manufactory produces high-quality Swedish furniture to this day.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear due to age and use. Item has a few minor cane defects in the back. A few drying cracks.

Dimensions:

25.6 in. W x 24.41 in. D x 20.71 in. H; seat height 14.57 in.

65 cm W x 62 cm D x 78 cm H; seat height 37 cm

About the designer:

As a young man Nils Rooth (1937-2019) became fascinated by Danish furniture design. He trained as an architect. He lived in Malmö and often travelled to Copenhagen, where he discovered the qualities of prominent furniture architects such as Kåre Klint, Hans J. Wegner and Borge Mogensen among others.

Nils Rooth himself had been an architect since the late 1950's. He started working at Gärsnäs Furniture and eventually came to Kågéns in Småland which is now called NKR. There he designed office landscapes for, among others, Saab and Asea, but he has also designed thousands of bank offices across the country.

Many of Rooth’s designs became popular classics. An ergonomic armchair that he made for Folksam in Stockholm in 1959 was manufactured for almost 30 years. Some copies can be found at Skepparslöv's golf office. The Aalto inspired Vip series he designed for Edsbyverken in 1974 is still in production to some extent. The series can be found at a number of administrative institutions in Sweden and at Volvo's Norwegian office, among others.

Rooth himself had worked mainly in wood and he was full of admiration for Poul Kjærholm's solutions. ~H.