Pair of Bertil Fridhagen “Aristokrat” Armchairs for Bröderna Andersson, Sweden 1963

















Pair of Bertil Fridhagen “Aristokrat” Armchairs for Bröderna Andersson, Sweden 1963
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Swedish design is characterised by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. The mastery of Swedish designer and architect, Bertil Fridhagen lies in creating a model that is, as its name suggests, aristocratic and minimal at the same time.
This stunning pair of solid walnut armchairs combines elements of classical and modern design with utmost quality. The solid walnut beautifully frames the upholstered bodies, outlining the welcoming silhouette of the chairs. The frames have a stunning curvaceous design, that is visually appealing from all angles. The embracing body’s curve enhances the beautiful original chenille upholstery with small deep-stitched buttons. Swedish design prefers colours rooted in nature, muted tones that aren’t screaming about their presence, but still attract the eye naturally. The chairs’ yellow chenille upholstery is a wonderful example of this ideal. The cushions are removeable and reversible, adding to the comfort of the sitter.
Bröderna Andersson, the chairs’ manufacturer is first and foremost characterised by Swedish quality, Småland craftsmanship and professional pride. At Bröderna Andersson's, the entire production chain was under one roof. From the choice of wood species to the production of frames, and careful attention so that the last seam is in place, quality is Bröderna Andersson’s word of honour.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood. The chairs retain their original upholstery or have 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:
32.08 in W x 32.48 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 19.48 in
81.5 cm W x 82.5 D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 49.5 cm
About the Designer:
Bertil August Julius Fridhagen was born on February 16 in1905 in Norra Sandsjö parish, Jönköping county, and was a renowned Swedish architect and furniture designer.
Bertil Fridhagen grew up in Bodafors. His father was a carpenter and he also started as a carpenter at AB Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors, where he became the student of the architect Carl Erik Ekholm. Later, he decided to further his education at Konstfack in Stockholm. In a reversed way, Fridhagen started out gaining experience in cabinetry before completing his formal education in architecture.
He returned to Bodafors in 1937, where at first, he was employed at Sandsjö Möbelfabrik (1937-39) and then became chief architect at Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors, where he succeeded his teacher, Ekholm. He became an important figure for the success of Svenska Möbelfabrikerna and in 1964 Bertil Fridhagen's models accounted for two thirds of home furniture production, which was an extreme success. For comparison, the much more well-known designer, Carl Malmsten's models accounted for a quarter. Bertil Fridhagen's biggest sales success was the combination series “Variett”.
Fridhagen won numerous prizes at various design competitions, including in Denmark in 1954, the California State Fair in Sacramento with the Librettserien in 1956, in Italy in 1966, 1968 and 1970 and in Tennessee in 1972. He also designed buildings, but above all interiors, he is remembered for the Bodafors church. The designer is remembered for his versatile models which are beautiful examples of Swedish design ideals. ~H.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This beautiful Danish lounge chair is an early example of Scandinavian mid-century modern design as well as outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and their users. The period from roughly the 1940s through the 1960s was a high point for Danish furniture makers, and this chair shows why.
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this lounge chair is a Danish delicacy with a unique look. With its classic shape paired with modern design elements, this model combines the best design characteristics of the 1940s. The large, enveloping backrest dictates the shape of this chair, as it forms most of the structure, including the armrests. The curvature creates an inviting and open look, enhanced by the soft velour upholstery. The inside of the upholstered back is sectioned with rope trimming, which creates a shell-like look. The thick, bun feet-like front legs are a pleasant touch. The warm brown colour of the stained wood nicely contrasts to the mustard colour of the velour, not to mention that thick wooden feet make a long-lasting, rock solid foundation for any chair. The chair’s back legs differ, they are straight, which is an eccentric detail that adds visual interest. Master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities, therefore this lounge chair provides support for the back and great sitting comfort.
Through decades of changes in styles and preferences, the various iterations of what has come to be called Danish Modern have managed to go on “speaking” to consumers, collectors, and design aficionados – and most importantly to users – in rapidly changing cultures. This early Danish mid-century lounge chair shows why: it has both a cosy and a luxurious appearance, exuding the craftsmanship of Danish master cabinetmakers.
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:
34.25 in W x 33.46 in D x 27.55 in H; Seat height 14.56 in
87 cm W x 85 cm D x 70 cm H; Seat height 37 cm