This rare pair of rosewood “Vinett” armchairs was created by Jackie Kennedy’s favourite Norwegian designer, Torbjørn Afdal. His Norwegian designs impressed not only the former First Lady, but the Japanese Emperor and the Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland as well.

Afdal's work is characterized primarily by a refined understanding of material and form. In his designs, he often used the more traditional design language with clean lines and solid constructions, evidenced by the chairs of this pair as well. In these Vinett chairs Afdal cultivates a controlled, cultivated and a somewhat traditional design language with a logical sense of the good constructions and the natural possibilities of the wood.  These chairs show a great balance of lines and utilisation of the natural beauty of the rosewood. The slats of the backs highlight it wonderfully, especially with the help of the upholstered back cushions. Nevertheless, the strong Danish impulses are evident in the design, which has an understated elegance with a clear emphasis on functionality. However, Afdal has processed and developed these with independence and imagination with his own take on Modernism.

Though Norway has a long tradition of craftsmanship, its contribution to Scandinavian design remains largely unsung, which makes these chairs even more special. Nesjestranda Møbelfabrikk has focused on quality and exclusive furniture, and has supplied furniture to the Japanese imperial family and the White House in the United States. The pair is marked by the manufacturer’s label.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Nice patina due to age and use, including some scratches and marks. Some discolouration. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium linen fabric.

Dimensions:

26.22 in W x 27.16 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 18.5 in

66.6 cm W x 69 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 47 cm

Literature:

Design from Scandinavia. 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition, pp. 94–95.

About the Designer:

Torbjørn Afdal (born 25 October 1917 in Voss, died 15 January 1999 in Bærum) was a Norwegian furniture designer. He graduated from the Norwegian School of Crafts and Design in 1946 and immediately got a job at the design office Tegnekontoret Bruksbo AS.

Together with Norwald Rydjord and Rolf Hesland, he became one of the leading designers at Tegnekontoret Bruksbo and on a bigger scale, in Scandinavia. His furniture was purchased by Jacqueline Kennedy when she was First Lady of the White House. His furniture was also purchased by the Japanese Emperor. In his older days, he designed the Storting's chairs and tables for the courthouse in Oslo. Furthermore, he designed the office of then Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland. At the exhibition “Norwegian Icons Oslo 2013”, he was represented with a number of his furniture designs. The catalogue for the exhibition states, among other things, that Afdal was among the most productive furniture designers of the post-war period. Furthermore, it states that Afdal's work is characterized primarily by a refined understanding of material and form. Around 1960, Afdal's furniture design gained a more architectural feel and the Broadway armchair, together with the Hunter hunting chair, was one of his artistic highlights from the period. Afdal was also artistic director of Bruksbo furniture workshop at Plus in Fredrikstad.

Afdal belonged to the Scandinavian / Danish design tradition, and in his designs, he often used the more traditional design language with clean lines and solid constructions. His most commonly used materials were teak and rosewood in combination with leather and steel. He was strongly influenced by Danish furniture design and is often mistakenly stated to be a Danish designer. Afdal has consequently been represented at most Norwegian and Scandinavian furniture exhibitions in the last century and at a number of applied art exhibitions. For three decades, he has made a significant contribution to Norwegian furniture and interiors. ~H.