Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, born Kerstin Margareta Hörlin-Holmqvist, was born on the 30th of May in 1925 in Arvika, Sweden, to the artist Tor Hörlin and Greta Andersson.
Hörlin-Holmquist started her higher education in England, attending school there between 1945 and 1947 immediately after the war. She studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. She continued her studies at Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm from 1948 to 1953. She already displayed her own creations during this period, including her “large and small Kraal” wicker chairs, which were tinged with the influence of African traditions. They were an interesting mixture of craftsmanship and industrial production, and were selected to be presented in Gothenburg during the “Möbler 52” exhibition, where they drew the attention of Nordiska Kompaniet. Already during her education, the head of NK Triva, Elias Svedberg, noticed the young and talented Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist. Consequently, after her studies, she joined the NK. The company decided to include her works in its Triva (“feel good”) collection. Her designs were there on produced by NK’s workshops in Nyköping, quick starting Hörlin-Holmquist’s career. As early as 1952, the “Charlotta” chair arrived, and it was manufactured in hundreds of thousands of copies. In Finland alone, the chair was sold in over 200,000 copies over a 20-year period.
Hörlin Holmquist preferred soft lines, whereas straight lines and strict angles defined the fashion of the period. She was one of the first designers to use polystyrene to achieve her aesthetic purposes; always keeping a wooden structure, she used a combination of techniques to obtain the curves that are so characteristic of her “Paradiset” line. This timeless and iconic collection holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in their appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance. Her graceful and characteristic mid-century furniture designs are often reminiscent of classic English furniture design, which show the influence of her years spent studying in England. A junior of Nanna Ditzel, she was part of the generation of Scandinavian women designers, like Grete Jalk and Tove Kindt-Larsen, full of fantasy and humour, always walking down her own design path, staying true to her own unique and humanistic design vision.
“I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone.”
Her collaboration with NK lasted till 1964, after which she worked for the furniture industry, A&C collection in Kristianstad. She decorated the Brukshotellet in Bofors and the Hubert Humphrey Institute in Minneapolis. The architect and designer often worked together with her husband, Erik Holmquist whom she married in 1950. Together they modelled and created furniture pieces. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project. At the furniture fairs in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist's furniture attracted a great deal of interest. The interior design magazines sprinkled praise over her collections, for example the magazine Allt i hemmet, where Leila Fåhræus said that Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist's furniture was 'Swedish furniture tradition at the highest level'. During the 1970s, Hörlin-Holmquist designed a beautiful garden furniture set, The Eden Collection, made of beech with brass-shod legs and paws.
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist is represented at, among others, the National Museum in Stockholm.
She is remembered for the humanism she applied to design, and her ability to see beyond short-lived trends. In 1992, a special exhibition was opened with her furniture and her father's paintings at Waldemarsudde in Stockholm. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist died in 1997, leaving behind a marvellous legacy. ~H.
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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
The “Stora Eva” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradiset Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in the 1950s by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time at Nordiska Kompaniet. Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and because of her uncompromising attitude, she became one of Sweden’s most renowned mid-century furniture designers.
Hörlin-Holmquist once remarked "I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle, and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in” and these armchairs are an elegant example of that sentiment. Characterised by the best qualities of mid-century design, these chairs can be incorporated into both contemporary and traditional interiors, lending itself to a timeless, universal appeal. The elegant lines and shape of the backrest create a striking silhouette. The tufted buttons on the backrest serve as the only form of ornamentation, and add to the visual richness of the model. The soft white upholstery is complemented by the tapered stained wood legs. Tilted in the back, the slim legs have a classically modern look. The "Stora Eva" model expresses a particular feeling of warmth and comfort with its friendly and rounded form. Standing at the intersection of form and function, this is a timeless model that will never go out of style.
The craftsmanship displayed in these armchairs are a testament to the high standards of Swedish design in the mid 20th century, reflecting the technical skill and artistic vision of both Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist and Nordiska Kompaniet.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches on the wood. The chairs have been recently reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
28.34 in W x 32.67 in D x 38.38 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 18.70 in; Arm height 22.44 in
72 cm W x 83 cm D x 97.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 47.5 cm; Arm height 57 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
The “Stora Eva” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradiset Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in the 1950s by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time at Nordiska Kompaniet. Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and because of her uncompromising attitude, she became one of Sweden’s most renowned mid-century furniture designers.
Hörlin-Holmquist once remarked "I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle, and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in” and this armchair is an elegant example of that sentiment. Characterised by the best qualities of mid-century design, this chair can be incorporated into contemporary and traditional interiors, lending itself to a timeless, universal appeal. The elegant lines and shape of the backrest create a striking silhouette. The tufted buttons on the backrest serve as the only form of ornamentation, and add to the visual richness of the model. The soft white upholstery is complemented by the tapered stained wood legs. Tilted in the back, the slim legs have a classically modern look. This armchair model expresses a particular feeling of warmth and comfort with its friendly and rounded form. Standing at the intersection of form and function, this is a timeless model that will never go out of style.
The craftsmanship displayed in this armchair is a testament to the high standards of Swedish design in the mid 20th century, reflecting the technical skill and artistic vision of both Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist and Nordiska Kompaniet.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches on the wood. The chair has been recently reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
28.34 in W x 32.67 in D x 38.38 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 18.70 in; Arm height 22.44 in
72 cm W x 83 cm D x 97.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 47.5 cm; Arm height 57 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This “Adam” model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden.
This chair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created the peculiar shape of these chairs that is only increasing in popularity. Thanks to her unique vision, “Adam” chairs have an unmistakeable backrest that flows down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low, therefore opening the seat, the chair still gives the impression of hugging the sitter. The upholstered body elevates the visual comfort, with a stitch tufted backrest that is festooned with orange, symmetrically arranged cross stitches.
The upholstery is a premium, light Italian fabric with a soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design. Similarly, the stained and tapered beech legs pair perfectly with the sculptural and organic form of the body. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, “Adam” easy chairs have become iconic.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium Italian fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
30.71 in W x 33.46 in D x 36.61 in H; Seat Height 16.14 in
78 cm W x 85 cm D x 93 cm H; Seat Height 41 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England. She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The "Stora Kraal" easy chair was originally designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist in 1952, and was quickly incorporated into Nordiska Kompaniet’s famous Triva Collection, a new versatile furniture series aimed at modern, postwar consumers.
Lacquered metal, wicker and leather. This model is defined by its materials and its immediately recognizable design created by the masterful combination of them. Known for her unique and humanistic design vision, Hörlin-Holmquist created the Stora Kraal according to these principles. Accordingly, this model holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with organic materials and form. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created the peculiar, shell shape of this chair that is only increasing in popularity. The design is very open, the backrest flows down and opens up to form the armrests and wide seat. While the armrests sit low and hardly separate from the back and seat, they still give the impression of hugging the sitter. The woven wicker body is held by the metal structure that is composed in a masterful way, providing stability despite its light, minimal appearance.
Hörlin-Holmquist took a larger role in the development of the Triva Collection to provide Nordiska Kompaniet with a variety of furniture designs and interior fittings that expressed a modern Scandinavian ethos through soft lines and adaptive humanism. This Stora Kraal, thanks to its materials, is the collection’s most organic piece, and to many, the most desired one as well.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. New leather straps.
Dimensions:
27.75 in W x 32.67 in D x 39.37 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
70.5 cm W x 83 cm D x 100 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The “Skrindan” armchair model was designed in 1963 by iconic Swedish designer, Kerstin Hörlin-Homquist. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, she created some of the most famous Swedish models of the era.
The unique stained beech frame is a visual delight, with subtle decorative elements that distinguish this chair from other models of the era. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created her model with such precision and creativity that still makes it a collectible piece. Thanks to her unique vision, this chair has an unmistakeable back and side comprised of symmetrically arranged spindles. As the back and armrests sit relatively low, the chair has an open look. The original upholstered, dark green-coloured loose back and seat cushion elevate the visual comfort. The subtle elements of decoration include the tufted buttons on the cushions, the upholstered armrests, and the tapered legs.
OPE Möbler, Jönköping produced the furniture designs of some of Scandinavia’s most renowned designers, such as Ib Kofod-Larsen, Ingemar Thillmark, and of course, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist. This Skrindan armchair is exemplary of Swedish mid-century quality and design to its core, uniting functionality with an understated, yet interesting and elegant design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some scratches and marks. 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:
28.93 in W x 33.07 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Arm height 23.22 in
73.5 cm W x 84 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Arm height 59 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This “Lilla Eva” model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection, which was created by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden.
This chair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created the peculiar shape of “Lilla Eva” chairs that is only increasing in popularity. Thanks to her unique vision, these chairs have an unmistakeable backrest that flows down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low, therefore opening the seats, the chair still gives the impression of hugging the sitter. The upholstered body elevates the visual comfort, with tufted backrests that are festooned with nine symmetrically arranged buttons.
The upholstery is a premium, robust medley of wool and linen fabric with a soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design. The yellow cross stitches give this chair a modern flair, contrasting stylishly to the light fabric. Similarly, the stained and tapered wood legs pair perfectly with the sculptural and organic form of the body. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, “Little Eva” easy chairs have become iconic.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium fabric.
Dimensions:
27.55 in W x 30.51 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 15.15 in
70 cm W x 77.5 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."
Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The “Little Adam” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden.
This armchair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist created the gentle, peculiar shape of this armchair that is only increasing in popularity even today. Thanks to her unique vision, this “Little Adam” has an unmistakeable backrest that flows down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low, therefore opening the seat, the chair still has the impression of hugging the sitter. The fully upholstered body elevates the visual comfort, with a stitch tufted backrest that is festooned with buttons arranged in a hill shape. This subtle form of decoration highlights the shape of the back by mirroring it, while also accentuating the light fabric by giving it extra depth. The stained and tapered wood legs pair perfectly with the organic form of the body. Contrasting the front legs, the back ones are lightly splayed to provide great structural stability.
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, this “Little Adam” armchair has become iconic. Thanks to the upholstery’s soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design, this armchair is a perfect example of the gentle mid-century modernism Swedish design of the era is beloved for.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. 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:
27.95 in W x 29.13 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat Height 15.35 in; Arm height 21.25 in
71 cm W x 74 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 54 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle, and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The “Little Adam” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden.
This armchair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist created the gentle, peculiar shape of this armchair that is only increasing in popularity even today. Thanks to her unique vision, this “Little Adam” has an unmistakeable backrest that flows down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low, therefore opening the seat, the chair still has the impression of hugging the sitter. The fully upholstered body elevates the visual comfort, with a stitch tufted backrest that is festooned with buttons arranged in a hill shape. This subtle form of decoration highlights the shape of the back by mirroring it, while also accentuating the light fabric by giving it extra depth. The stained and tapered wood legs pair perfectly with the organic form of the body. Contrasting the front legs, the back ones are lightly splayed to provide great structural stability.
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, this “Little Adam” armchair has become iconic. Thanks to the upholstery’s soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design, this armchair is a perfect example of the gentle mid-century modernism Swedish design of the era is beloved for.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. 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:
27.95 in W x 29.13 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat Height 14.96 in; Arm height 20.87 in
71 cm W x 74 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 38 cm; Arm height 53 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle, and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Renowned for her curvaceous chair and sofa designs that utilize wood and the then pioneering use of polystyrene, Swedish modernist architect and furniture designer Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist hails from a robust early-century generation of Scandinavian female furniture designers.
In the 1950s, Nordiska Kompaniet’s workshops in Nyköping, Hörlin-Holmquist was asked to take a larger role in the development of the Triva Collection and to provide the company a variety of furniture designs and interior fittings that expressed a modern Scandinavian ethos through soft lines and adaptive humanism. It was during this tenure that Hörlin-Holmquist designed her most iconic work—namely, her Paradiset Collection (Swedish for “Paradise” or “Eden”) from 1956-1958, which included this button-back (a Hörlin-Holmquist hallmark) Paradiset sofa. This stunning model features an immediately recognizable, organic shape that is very representative of the designer’s characteristic. It is a great example of how she managed to mix classic lines with modern design. The sofa has the typical rounded form with button tufting on the backrest, and an arched wooden base. The elegant curves and the overhanging back and armrest create an almost sculptural appearance, and unlike most models, the decorative buttons are arranged in two parallel lines following the curvature of the back. This creates a soft and stylish look that is further complemented by the tapered, solid beech legs, and the light bouclé upholstery.
Beyond jewellery, fashion, cosmetics, and Sweden’s first escalator, Nordiska Kompaniet offered its own line of custom-made furnishings crafted in workshops in Nyköping (est. 1904). The design aesthetic reflected the general ethos of the company: high quality production, pared-down lines with touches of genteel elegance, and, above all, an air of exclusivity.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium bouclé fabric.
Dimensions:
73.03 in W x 31.49 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 16.53 in
185.5 cm W x 80 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 42 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This “Lilla Eva” model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection, which was created by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden.
This chair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created the peculiar shape of “Lilla Eva” chairs that is only increasing in popularity. Thanks to her unique vision, these chairs have an unmistakeable backrest that flows down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low, therefore opening the seats, the chair still gives the impression of hugging the sitter. The upholstered body elevates the visual comfort, with tufted backrests that are festooned with nine symmetrically arranged buttons.
The upholstery is a premium brown fabric with a soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design. The cross stitches give this chair a modern flair, contrasting stylishly to the fabric. Similarly, the stained and tapered wood legs pair perfectly with the sculptural and organic form of the body. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, “Little Eva” easy chairs have become iconic.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the chair may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
27.55 in W x 30.51 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 15.15 in
70 cm W x 77.5 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."
Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision.