Pine Barrel Armchair by Åby Möbelfabrik, Sweden 1940s
































Pine Barrel Armchair by Åby Möbelfabrik, Sweden 1940s
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This beautiful barrel armchair is an example of Swedish mid-century 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 Scandinavian furniture makers, and this chair shows why.
Åby Möbelfabrik factory was located in Tjureda parish, in Sweden’s Växjö municipality. The company primarily manufactured pine furniture. The chair’s shape and construction show the signs of the master craftsmanship of Åby Möbelfabrik as the robust, barrel-like body has a rounded construction, with the back flowing into the arms to achieve an enveloping, comforting experience for the user. The wood’s grain and pattern is very appealing throughout the design of this chair, which adds an organic touch to the design. This piece displays a beautiful contrast between the light wood frame’s colour and the elegant off-white fabric of the cushions. The upholstery is just as much a decorative element as the wooden structure with the two materials pairing exceptionally well.
Barrel chairs are generally considered among the best accent chair types as their unique shapes immediately draw the eye. Simply styled and elegant had always been mid-century designers’ speciality, and there is no better example than this pair of unique barrel chairs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Due to age, the item has some dents, scratches, and discolouration. The cushion has recently been 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:
21.26 in W x 18.70 in D x 30.32 in H; Seat height 18.90 in; Seat depth 17.32 in
54 cm W x 47.5 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 48 cm; Seat depth 44 cm
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Danish Modernism can be visually described by this beautiful wing-back chair: sleek, organic and timeless. These attributes are met with high quality materials and the famous craftsmanship of the country’s cabinetmakers. This chair is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Villy Sørensen.
From the welcoming winged body and the solid wood frame to the cosy sheepskin upholstery, this chair expresses a quality of hygge and a feeling of contentment. The distinctive shape is a result of the two “ears” that encompass the sitter. One of the most notable chair styles that embodies Scandinavian modern design is the wing-back chair. The history of this type of chair can be traced back to the 17th century when they were originally designed to provide protection from drafts in grandiose, often chilly, European homes. With high backs and "wings" on each side to shield the sitter from cold air, these chairs were originally a symbol of prestige and comfort. To balance the sculptural, upholstered body is the beautiful solid wood frame that is left exposed on the sides as it also functions as a decorative element with its geometric angles and curves. The arms and tapered legs are formed from the same piece of wood resulting in a sleek impression. The wood’s colour and smooth surface contrast brilliantly with the sheepskin’s light colour and texture. Thanks to the properties of the sheepskin, this chair provides great, soft comfort as well.
Villy Sørensen had a unique design idiom, which is clearly visible in this model: function, durability, timeless design, and perhaps above all, comfort. This traditional yet playful chair combines all of these attributes, which makes it ideal to be the stylish focal point of any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature of the wood, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has recently been reconditioned and has recently been reupholstered in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.92 in W x 32.28 in D x 38.98 in H; Seat height 14.96 in; Seat depth 22.83 in
76 cm W x 82 cm D x 99 cm H; Seat height 38 cm; Seat depth 58 cm
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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
This beloved José Zanine Caldas lounge chair from the “Linha Z” or “Z Line” is an exceptional example of Brazilian design of the 1950s. The design dates to 1949, The woven leather straps and the organic shape is unmatched.
This chair model is made of plywood and features a distinctive shape, distinguished by its legs. The legs and arms are connected and form one unit and their shape inspired the name of the line, “Linea Z”. The edges are softly rounded, which matches the versatile curvature of the body, which enhances the organic feel of the chair. Besides the plywood frame, the original leather upholstery is the stand-out element of this chair both in terms of visual and technical terms. The leather strap seat and back are tightly secured to the plywood, completing the great graphic expression this is widely known for. The bolts of the joinery are left visible, a detail that adds to the rawness of the design. The bent seat is perfectly angled for lounging, supporting the sitter’s whole body.
The pioneering Brazilian designer, José Zanine Caldas’s present design was created by Mòveis Artisticos Z, the factory Zanine Caldas founded in São José dos Campos in 1948. Most of Zanine Caldas’s designs - especially this armchair - tap into the modernist aesthetic while bearing exceptionally unique shapes: form and function revisited with a twist.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and discoloration on the wood. This chair comes with its original leather or has been reupholstered by a previous owner.
Dimensions:
24.21 in W x 40.94 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 12.4 in
61.5 cm W x 104 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 31.5 cm
Literature:
Movel Moderno Brasileiro, published by Olhares editores, São Paulo 2017 by Alberto Vicente and Marcelo Vasconcellos
Aric Chen, Brazil Modern, Monaclli Press, New York City 2016
Ruy Teixeira e Jayme Vargas, Desenho da Utopia, Olhares, São Paulo 2016
About the designer:
José Zanine Caldas was born in Belmonte, at the southern coast of Bahia, in 1919. Son of a doctor, Zanine was an autodidact who, from a young age, was fascinated with his environment, especially with trees.
While most architects of his generation studied extensively, Zanine developed his own style through doing and making, and at the age of 20 decided to exchange Bahia for Rio de Janeiro. There he opened up a workshop for architectural scale-models and had the chance to work with pioneering modern architects like Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer.
Large scale furniture with modern design and affordable prices. This was the great advantage of the joinery Móveis Artístico Z founded in 1948 by the architect Zanine Caldas, in partnership with Sebastião Pontes and Paulo Mello, was a great success at the time. Headquartered in São José dos Campos (SP), it maintained its production for almost two decades. The form of creation, idealized by Zanine, was opposed to the market of the time, which was either based on the production of handmade furniture, in solid wood, or in pieces produced in series with an unattractive design. Breaking these paradigms, Móveis Artísticas Z revolutionized manufacturing pieces with improved design and great popular appeal.
Inspired by the local craftsmen who carved boats and furniture from fallen trees, Zanine began experimenting with chiselling and carving large, sculptural works, which became the focus of his later career. Zanine became a big advocate for preservation and in the 1980s, he established the Foundation Center for the Development of the Application of Brazilian Woods (DAM), in an effort to educate and attempt to reverse the rampant destruction of Brazilian rainforests.
Up until his death in 2001, Zanine kept his natural visions alive, and would plant a new tree in place of any tree that was taken down for one of his projects. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This “Canada” or model P110 chair was designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1965 and manufactured by the Borsani brothers’ company, Tecno. The chair is enriched with mechanical components that give it versatility in terms of composition, shape and arrangement.
The Borsani brothers’ company, founded in 1953, had strong ideals, mainly a philosophy of quality. Just like the company’s name in Italy, this “Canada” lounge chair is unmistakable. The wooden structure serves as the base for the upholstered sections that are divided into three parts. Immediately standing out are the oversized buttons, seven on both sides, that secure the cushions in place, while also increasing the visual quality of the chair. The extraordinary heritage of craftsmanship in the treatment of materials, in the attention to detail, in the interpretation of the shape defines this chair. Thanks to the innovative language of the design, this model can fit perfectly into any interior while still standing out visually.
The “Canada” lounge chair shows the rigor of form, the quality of materials and workmanship, and the attention to the opportunities of technology that Tecno is known for. The chair is upholstered in leather, which contrasts beautifully to the peculiar body.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches on the back. The chair comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
32.28 in W x 33.46 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Seat depth 22.04 in; Arm height 21.06 in
82 cm W x 85 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Seat depth 56 cm; Arm height 53.5 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Artifort was founded in 1890, when Jules Wagemans started a business as an upholsterer in Maastricht. A great deal changed with the arrival of the interior and furniture designer Kho Liang Ie, and in 1959 he recruited the French designer Pierre Paulin, beginning a long and fruitful collaboration between Paulin and the Dutch manufacturer. Pierre Paulin’s model “577” lounge chair, also known as the “Tongue Chair” or “Langue” in French, represents a bold and fluid design language that emerged in the mid-20th century.
Designed in 1967, and produced by Artifort, the chair is a hallmark of Paulin’s sculptural approach to furniture. He believed that “a chair should be more than simply functional”. This "577" lounge chair model features a seamless, flowing form that echoes the curve of a human tongue. The lounge chair offers a fresh departure from traditional seating, embodying the futuristic and organic sensibilities of the 1960s. Constructed with a metal frame covered in foam and upholstered in a beautiful off-white textured fabric, the design prioritises both form and comfort. The low armless profile encourages a relaxed posture and makes it visually striking from all angles. Paulin’s innovative use of materials and emphasis on ergonomic design allowed this chair model to become a functional piece and a statement - ideal for modernist interiors that value design and experimentation.
Today, the “577”/ “Langue” chair stands as a timeless icon of modern design, revered for its originality and enduring appeal. Through this design, Pierre Paulin and Artifort captured a unique moment when comfort, form, and avant-garde aesthetics come together beautifully.
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 reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
31.88 in W x 38.18 in D x 24.80 in H; Seat height 14.56 in; Seat depth 22.83 in
81 cm W x 97 cm D x 63 cm H; Seat height 37 cm; Seat depth 58 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
This rare "Roset" chair is a striking creation by the Danish designer duo Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind, manufactured by Mogens Kold in Denmark in the early 1970s. Introduced in 1972, the “Roset” model stands out for its sculptural form and innovative construction, embodying the spirit of Danish modernism with a playful and organic twist.
The chair’s design is both functional and deeply expressive. Its unusual shape evokes the comfort of a nest, welcoming the sitter into a softly embracing form. The chair’s broad circular seat and gently curved split backrest encourage a relaxed lounging posture, creating an intimate and cocoon-like experience for the user. The feet, resembling fins, not only provide visual dynamism but also ensure stability, giving the piece a grounded yet airy presence. The body is constructed from three laminated plywood panels, precisely joined with visible brass screws that lend a subtle industrial touch while highlighting the craftsmanship and attention to structural detail. The model is upholstered in a premium wool and alpaca blend fabric, chosen for its softness, warmth, and luxurious texture. The light, tactile quality of the upholstery enhances the chair's inviting character and complements the warm natural tones and grain of the plywood shell.
The “Roset” model remains a rare piece that offers both sculptural impact and everyday warmth. It is an ideal statement chair capturing the balance between innovation, comfort, function, and aesthetics, that defines the best of Danish design from the period.
Condition:
Wear due to age and use. Some scratches and marks. Recently reupholstered in premium alpaca - wool blend fabric.
Dimensions:
35.63 in W x 31.50 in D x 23.43 in H; Seat Height 14.17 in
90.5 cm W x 80 cm D x 59.5 cm H; Seat Height 36 cm
About the designer:
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen (1930-2009) was a Danish furniture architect. He studied at the School of Crafts, graduating in 1952 and then at the Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen until 1955. Gjerløv-Knudsen designed furniture series for both carpentry and industrial production in collaboration with fellow Danish furniture designer Torben Lind (1928-2016) from 1962.
Lind’s works showed a commitment to using the finest materials and extraordinary precision to create one-of-a-kind designs. Together, they became well-known for their light furniture in beech and plywood. The duo worked together at PP Møbler, creating furniture that became a trademark of Danish design.
During their long collaboration, Gjerløv-Knudsen and Lind designed numerous successful chair designs representing Danish mid-century modern, with special attention to outstanding comfort and ensuring long-lasting value by using quality materials. Many of their designs were produced by France & Son and Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik. The latter produced some of the most coveted furniture of the mid- 20th century. ~H.
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
This “Clam” chair has a beloved design thanks to which it is considered by many as one of the most attractive chairs of Nordic Design. At the same time, this chair is arguably also the most mysterious piece on the Danish furniture market.
The model has a rather perplexing history, and has been attributed to several designers before, the latest being the Danish architect Phillip Arctander. However, recent research revealed that the “Clam” is the model that in fact started the story of Madsen & Schubell. Arnold Madsen designed this model in 1944 in his small basement workshop in Gothersgade, Copenhagen.
This chair has a characteristic organic shape with soft curves, perched on club-shaped beech legs. The name comes from the shape of the seat and back that together form the silhouette of an open clam. The round armrests compliment the overall round feel of the chair. The seat is slightly raised towards the front, while the back is tilted to provide great sitting comfort. The seat and back are covered in light sheepskin, adding to the soft and cosy feel of this “Clam”. Interestingly, Hans Schubell invented the special connecting piece of this chair, formed from only one piece of wood. The rest of the seat and backrest were glued to this single piece.
In 1944, the chair was already exhibited in conjunction with the presentation of the newly opened furniture store NY FORM A/S in Copenhagen, which sold the leading design of the day. In 1945, the Clam went into serial production as the first model of the new furniture company Madsen & Schubell and many well-known stores soon included Madsen & Schubell in their product range. Illums Bolighus was one of them, as were the Messen department store and the Copenhagen furniture store Nordisk Staal-og-Møbel Central. In 1953, Madsen & Schubell sold the licence of the chair to the Norwegian company Vik and Blindheim.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in light sheepskin. 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:
26.38 in W x 33.27 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 14.96 in; Arm height 22.64 in
67 cm W x 84.5 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 38 cm; Arm height 57.5 cm
About the designer:
Henry Hans Schubell was born on February 23. 1906 in Elsinore, Denmark. After completing school, he became an apprentice cabinetmaker in Elsinore. After 5 years he finished his apprenticeship, and was awarded a medal for his work. When he turned 20, he moved to Copenhagen, where he worked for various cabinetmakers. In 1929, at the age of 23, he was employed as a foreman at the cabinetmakers Winter & Winding, where he supervised the production of furniture until 1945.
In 1944, the firm received a request from an upholsterer named Arnold Madsen, who had an idea for a chair. Madsen was having difficulties finding a cabinetmaker with the required skills to do the woodwork based on Madsen’s little plaster model. Henry Schubell succeeded in producing the wooden frame, making it possible for the chair to be put into production. Arnold Madsen was so impressed by his work that he suggested forming a partnership where Henry Schubell would design the furniture and produce the wooden frames, which Arnold Madsen would then upholster and market. The workshop was realized in the inner city of Copenhagen, and their joint venture was named “Madsen & Schubell”.
The cooperation between Henry Schubell and Arnold Madsen was so successful that they purchased a factory building on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Over the next 20 years, the company produced several successful models, most of which were designed by Henry Schubell. Some of these chairs were licensed to the Norwegian company Vik & Blindheim and to the Dutch company Bovenkamp.
The cooperation between the two ended in 1963, and by mutual agreement, Arnold Madsen established his new upholstery firm under the name “Madsen og Schubell”, in cooperation with his son, Ib Madsen. In the 1970s, Ib took over the company which still ran under the name Madsen & Schubell causing some confusion about the attribution of Madsen & Schubell models. ~H.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This armchair is a compelling embodiment of the French design duo Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet. Their design philosophy was centered around a commitment to accessible furnishing made out of natural materials that suit the rhythms of modern life. Active in mid-20th century France, they played a crucial role in shaping post-war design. Drawing inspiration from modernist movements, they steered the view of design towards a more functional, refined, and streamlined aesthetic.
This chair showcases excellent craftsmanship, care, and precision, visible in the smallest details of the design. The woven seat and backrest, composed of finely braided natural fibres, offer both support and comfort, gently adapting to the shape of the body for a relaxed resting experience. Unlike most chairs, this unique design does not utilise the typical four legs - instead, the structure flows seamlessly into a wide curve that comprises the frame and is the visual highlight of the chair’s form. The armrests appear to be curving down and back in two smooth lines, partially creating a supporting base. The structure of the base is further enforced by a stretcher between the two pieces of bentwood, enhancing stability. Another interesting design detail are the cylinder supports at the front where the arms and base meet, which act as a reinforcement while still maintaining harmony with the rest of the piece. This clever element helps to create a scooped base that supports the entire seat. The bent wood creates a fluid connection, giving the seat a sense of suspension - a light, almost floating presence - with the open surface of the seating and back further enhancing the airy characteristic of the armchair. Though the back rail is a separate piece between the two large curved elements it visually continues the line of the arms, creating the sense of a frame that gracefully encloses the seat.
The impressive silhouette of the armchair is defined by the choice of solid bentwood and woven rope as materials, and techniques that require expert skill, all poured into the final result to create this graceful form. The timeless appeal of this piece complements a wide range of interior styles, capable of transforming any environment with its organic appearance in both form and medium.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
25 in W x 27.55 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 16.14 in
63.5 cm W x 70 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 41 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming armchair is unique evidence of how traditional Swedish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. Berga Möbler, later called Berga Form, began manufacturing furniture of the highest quality in 1896.
This armchair holds all the characteristics that define the manufacturer's style: soft, organic, playful, and sophisticated. The model is slightly tilted backwards allowing for a pleasant sitting experience. The tapered wooden legs add a touch of mid-century modern flair apart from being structurally integral, while the two front legs have a precise curvature towards the end; a feature which has become a distinctive feature of Berga Möbler's designs. The rounded backrest and armrests are just some of the elements that define the elegance of the chair. Slightly inclined towards the backrest, the armrests enhance the excellent seating experience, making this piece a great choice for any contemporary living space. The back is tufted with two large buttons that allow for a friendly and welcoming appearance. The cushioning is firm yet plush, perfectly balancing comfort and support. This attention to detail ensures that the armchair is beautiful and practical for everyday use.
Crafted with precision and finished with attention to detail and care for the aesthetic dimension, this armchair stands the test of time thanks to both their visual and material quality.
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 reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.52 in W x 33.46 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 17.71 in; Seat depth 20.86 in; Arm height 23.62 in
75 cm W x 85 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 45cm; Seat depth 53 cm; Arm height 60 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Ole Wanscher was one of the leading figures of 20th century Danish design. Trained as an architect and later a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Wanscher’s work is characterised by restraint, clarity, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Makers like him believed that good furniture should feel appropriate in its proportions, neither excessive nor incomplete, and that belief is evident throughout his designs.
Model “1755” exemplifies this disciplined yet elegant approach. The chair’s back is composed of three gently undulating horizontal slats that introduce movement without disrupting the overall symmetry of the frame. These shaped rails provide ergonomic support while creating a subtle decorative rhythm across the backrest. The uprights are slightly tapered, lending lightness to the silhouette and preventing the form from feeling heavy. The arms extend from the back, curving forward in a subtle arc that supports the sitter while maintaining visual continuity with the backrest. Transitions and joinery are seamless and organic, demonstrating careful attention to structural flow. The legs are slender and proportioned with precision, connected by thin stretchers that reinforce stability without drawing attention away from the main lines. Every element feels considered, from the thickness of the rails to the spacing between slats, resulting in a chair that is visually calm yet structurally assured. The upholstered seat introduces a measured softness that balances the architectural clarity of the wooden frame. Its tailored form provides comfort while maintaining the light, refined character of the design.
Suitable for use at a dining table, desk, or as an occasional armchair, model “1755” reflects Wanscher’s enduring commitment to proportion, craftsmanship, and the thoughtful reinterpretation of historical furniture making within a modern context.
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 wood, the chair may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The seat cushion was newly produced and upholstered 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:
24.60 in W x 26.37 in D x 33.85 in H; Seat height 17.12 in; Seat depth 19.68 in; Arm height 25.19 in
62.5 cm W x 67 cm D x 86 cm H; Seat height 43.5 cm; Seat depth 50 cm; Arm height 64 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Ergonomic in its structure, this mid-century armchair showcases the best characteristics of post-war Italian design. These postwar boom years of the 1950s through the 1960s were a greatly influential - and experimental - period for Italian creatives. Striking in its balanced proportions and clean architectural lines, this armchair was born of careful decision making, where every curve, joint and surface was conceptualised with comfort and sculptural grace in mind.
The elegant lines of the chair create a pleasing visual balance, a result of the gently rounded back and pointed wingback crown. The silhouette, with its open construction, is comprised of an enveloping back that flows down in a curve towards the generous seat, forming a cocoon for the sitter. Creating a welcoming impression, the sheltering arms hug the person even further, adding a further layer of relaxation. The arms, slightly overturning at the ends, unfold the form of the design and emphasise its openness and welcoming spirit even further. The dark, splayed legs ensure stability, and their minimal shape allow the chair’s body to shine as the focal point. Acting as complementary elements, the tapered legs on the bottom are in harmony with the sharp peaks at the top of the backrest. Meanwhile, along the midsection, the elegant overspill of the armrests traces the sides, opening up the structure and introducing another intriguing dimension that deepens the visual presence of the piece. The armchair is full of unique design elements, but rather than working against each other, they instead unify the design through their shared aesthetic characteristics. In their own unique way, these small details are striving for the same sophisticated style. Recently upholstered in premium fabric, the chair flourishes in a beautiful, neutral colour that complements any interior.
The subtle colour of the chair, combined with its elegant form, provides a beautiful visual cohesiveness. This armchair is not just a functional sitting element, but also brings its own refined character into the atmosphere of the room, making it simultaneously both charming and practical.
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:
33.07 in W x 31.49 in D x 40.55 in H; Seat height 15.15 in; Seat depth 18.70 in; Arm height 21.45 in
84 cm W x 80 cm D x 103 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm; Seat depth 47.5 cm; Arm height 54.5 cm
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Price category: 30,000 - 40,000 usd / eur
Swedish architect and furniture maker Axel Einar Hjorth worked as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth designed the “Sportstugemöbler” series, (which translates to “sports cabin furnishings”) a collection of wooden furniture designed for country homes. The various models in the sportstugemöbler series took their names from locations in the Stockholm archipelago – including Blidö, Lovö, and Utö.
The “Lovö” model, designed within the series of chalet furnishings, was initially launched by Nordiska Kompaniet in 1932. The series was a response to a new and growing demand for furnishings for leisure houses where the style was more informal. This chair is crafted from local pine wood, while the backrest features iron rivets. The juxtaposition between the pine and iron provides a rustic, sturdy and resilient feel, elevating the timeless look of the model. The chair combines a simple and honest form of the handcrafted style of traditional Nordic “allmoge” furniture, and the international 20th century Modernist movement. The result is a modest yet visually interesting design with a strong silhouette. The pine body is composed of a low, curved back that is slightly tilted in order to increase the sitter’s comfort - highlighting the functional nature of the chair. The seat features a loose, removable cushion, upholstered in a textural, striped fabric. Not only is the design of this model unique, but the colourful, cushion further increases the special character, ensuring remarkable charm. The design is completed by four square, straight legs, offering sturdiness.
The “Sportstugemöbler” series had a lasting influence on Hjorth’s contemporaries, inspiring other big names within Nordic design, such as Carl Malmsten. From an international perspective, this series is the forerunner of later pioneering designs, so it comes as no surprise that these “Lovö” chairs became part of modernist design history.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. 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:
20.86 in W x 20.07 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 18.50 in; Seat depth 16.92 in
53 cm W x 51 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 47 cm; Seat depth 43 cm
About the designer:
Axel Einar Hjorth was born in a small Swedish village named Krokek, just outside Norrköping, on March 7, 1888. At the age of 20, he moved to Stockholm to study architecture and design at the Högre Konstindustriella Skolan.
Although he never graduated, in the 1920s Hjorth started working as a furniture designer for various manufacturers, such as H. Joop & Co., Myrestedt & Stern, Jonssons, and Nordiska Kompaniet. Hjorth’s designs from this period had neoclassical features combined with Swedish Grace. This romantic national style of Sweden was elegant and refined, yet simple. The anniversary exhibition of 1923 in Gothenburg marked the breakthrough of Swedish decorative arts, and made Axel Einar Hjorth a well-respected artist. From October 1926, Hjorth became the chief designer and architect of Nordiska Kompaniet department store in Stockholm. In the 1930s, Hjorth designed a furniture collection out of pine meant for serial production known as Sportstugemöbler (furniture for holiday houses).
Hjorth’s designs, from the luxury of neoclassicism to the severity of functionalism, are sharply distinctive in style, materials, and character. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Hjorth did not conform to the socially oriented ideas produced by Svensk Form (the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design). He played a significant role in the development of Swedish society as a whole, and particularly in Swedish industrial art.
Today Hjorth is often viewed as a precursor to the modern designs popularised by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Royére, Pierre Chapo, or Josef Frank. Recently, there has been a revival of appreciation for his work, showing his genius in a new light.