Set of Four Göran Malmvall "501" Pine Dining Chairs for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden 1950s
Set of Four Göran Malmvall "501" Pine Dining Chairs for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden 1950s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The “Svensk Fur” furniture line produced by Göran Malmvall and manufactured by Karl Andersson & Söner is a nod to modernist design with traditional Swedish craftsmanship. The design of these chairs relays an insight about the society and culture in which it was produced: closeness to nature, the appreciation of a clutter-free environment and the value of quality handiwork.
Göran Malmvall’s Swedish pine designs often get compared to the designs of Axel Einar Hjorth, even though its pieces are exceptional designs on their own merit. Self-taught, Göran Malmvall was a highly skilled cabinetmaker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. This set of dining chairs holds a strong expression with its sturdy shaped, organic design, which is dominated by the natural beauty of the material. The backrests are formed by straight lines that slightly curve near the edges. This curvature is followed by the seats that are carved ergonomically, creating visual interest. The joinery is visible throughout the chairs, and features both bolts and seamless wooden joinery which is always a sign of quality craftsmanship. The wide backrests showcase the solid pinewood’s beautiful pattern, reinforcing the rustic feel of the design along with the conical legs that are gently tapered and tilted to support stability.
The simple design of these chairs is in line with the Swedish ideals of functional furniture. However, it also portrays a sense of tranquillity that is unique to Scandinavia. This set is sure to bring this sense to any space while providing stability, sitting comfort, and natural beauty via the Swedish pine.
Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Items have scratches and marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
16.14 in W x 17.32 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 17.71 in
41 cm W x 44 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 45 cm
About the Designer:
Göran Malmvall (1917–2001) was the youngest son of the manufacturing company’s founder, Karl Andersson. He studied furniture design under Carl Malmsten and was involved with the family business from an early age until 1982, mainly in the capacity of an in-house furniture designer.
Self-taught, he was a highly skilled cabinet-maker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. His most notable designs include Svensk Fur, Svitjod and, not least, the KA 72 cabinet series, first created in 1972 and already a modern classic.
The manufacturer, Karl Andersson & Söner was established in 1898, when carpentry master Karl Andersson started to produce “durable and sustainable furniture” in his parents' home in the village of Berghem between Huskvarna and Gränna. Over a hundred years later, the historic company still manufactures quality furniture and designer furniture in their own modern factory in Huskvarna.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This Howard Keith “Bambino” armchair is a piece of history of a company, HK Furniture, and mid-century British design. By absorbing creative influences from abroad, but formulating a distinctive home-grown approach, Howard Keith was among the British designers to pioneer the use of new materials and manufacturing techniques, whilst maintaining links with the vernacular tradition.
The Bambino chair was produced in Keith’s factories in the late 1940s and early 50s. Like the first models, this chair is also constructed of solid beech and is fully upholstered. The shapes and curves of this chair are very pronounced and harmonious. Sculptural form was an important design element for post-war British design, and that is clearly a guiding principle in this Bambino chair as well. It is most evident in the beech arms and the winged back that complement each other’s curves. With classic button tufting, the back has an elegant look, enhanced by the original light upholstery. The sculpted arms run from the very base of the seat, which is a neat detail, especially from the side views. The chair is supported by tapered legs that add to the classic, yet sleek design that defines this Bambino.
Founded in 1933 by Howard Keith, HK established a name for high-quality upholstered products early on. Having appeared in the film ‘Rocketman’, the Diplomat sofa might be the flagship design for HK, nonetheless, the Bambino is their most coveted chair design. Taking into account its traditional elegance and quality, it is easy to understand why.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. This chair comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
27.16 in W x 33.46 in D x 35.03 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
69 cm W x 85 cm D x 89 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
About the Designer:
Howard Keith was born Hans Krebs in 1902 in Germany and changed his name when he came to England around 1933, presumably to escape Nazi Germany.
Founded in 1933 by Howard Keith, HK established a name for high-quality upholstered products. Howard Keith was a designer and maker of stylish upholstered furniture producing designs for a great number of companies. Chairs like the Encore, Viking and Bambino and lounge seating such as Diplomat and Cloud ensured Howard Keith’s position as one of the country’s top furniture designers in the 1940s and 50s. Keith’s company was highly successful in making modern designs for domestic sofas and chairs well into the 1970s, before becoming one of Europe’s top high-end contract upholstery manufacturer. HK designs provided furniture for the QE2, Marlborough House, The Royal Train during the Queen’s jubilee year, the States of Jersey Parliament, the Stock Exchange Boardroom, BP’s headquarters and supplies leather seating for the Portcullis House, new parliament building at Westminster.
In the 1970s, HK started manufacturing high-end conference tables and executive desks and became known for craftsmanship, quality and design winning contracts for major blue-chip organizations such as The Bank of England, The Stock Exchange, Barclays and BP. In 2000, HK made the news desk for BBC South East. Today, the company still specializes in high-quality, custom-made executive and conference room furniture. ~H.