Rare “Pele” lounge chair by Finnish designer Esko Pajamies, manufactured by the Finnish furniture company, Lahden Lepokalusto Oy in the 1970s.

This “Pele” lounge chair is made from solid oak. The wooden frame has a beautiful matte finish, while the cushions are upholstered in a premium bouclé fabric.

The wooden frame provides a firm base with rounded edges. The elongated seat and the back legs of the armchair form one elongated piece of wood, which is the Pele’s most unique element. The ergonomic design with the bent backrest and wide armrests makes this chair an exceptionally comfortable piece. Therefore, it is no surprise that this line of recliners first gained popularity as a TV chair for homes. Later it became a popular choice for fireplace rooms as well as public spaces, like several of Pajamies’s designs.

SOLD

Condition:

In very good vintage condition. The wood only has minor wear, some discolouration and small stains. Recently reupholstered in a premium bouclé fabric.

Dimensions:

35.24 in W x 37 in D x 34.65 in H

89,5 cm W x 94 cm D x 88 cm H

About the designer:

Esko Lauri Alvari Pajamies (1931-1990) was a Finnish designer, primarily known for his upholstered furniture designs for both private and public spaces.

Pajamies graduated as an interior architect in 1954 and established his own design studio in 1961. Pajamies designed his first series of furniture for Lepokalusto in 1965, and their fruitful collaboration lasted well into the 1970s. Pajamies designed for a handful of other manufacturers and his designs proved to be lucrative throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Interestingly, Esko Pajamies was the first to design a sofa (Bonanza for Asko 1965) that had an exposed wooden frame. The sofa was named after the 1960s television series and had extra wide armrests to accommodate glasses and plates.

His “Polar 1001” and “1003” chairs could be found on luxury liners sailing the Black Sea, while some of his other designs furnished the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport's passenger terminal in 1975. The versatile designer also played trumpet in the jazz band Jaakko Salo Modern Band. He played with many famous singers in the 1960s.

Pajamies was awarded the State Art Prize in 1979 and is still known as one of the leading interior architects of Finland. ~H.