Set of 3 "Utö" Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
Set of 3 "Utö" Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served 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 the Stockholm archipelago – including Blidö, Lovö, and famously, Utö.
These Utö chairs were designed in 1932 as part of the collection. Unlike the department store's interiors for floors and villas in the cities, the Utö designs had a simple character with robust and basic shapes in solid pine. Accordingly, the design of these chairs focuses on simple lines and the material itself. Made of pine wood, these chairs are strong, reflecting Hjorth’s principles in which he mixed the ideals of the modernist movement with provincial Swedish traditions. As a result, the design of this set is completely timeless. Each chair demonstrates a conscious construction, where the joinery and fittings related to traditional craftsmanship are emphasized. Dominated by rounded, straight lines, the chairs have spindle backrests and ergonomically carved seats. The form alludes harmony and stability, fitting the summer cabin concept perfectly.
In an international perspective, Hjorth's “sportstugemöbler” series was the forerunner of later pioneering designers such as Charlotte Perriand. It is therefore no surprise that these Utö chairs became part of Swedish and international modernist design history. In their time, the Utö collection may have appeared as pioneering and radical, but today they are viewed as status symbols in interiors of international character.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and stains on the wood. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the items may have scratches and discolouration.
Dimensions:
18.89 in W x 18.3 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
48 cm W x 46.5 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
Literature:
Christian Bjork, Thomas Ekstrom and Eric Ericson, 'Axel Einar Hjorth: Mobelarkitekt', Stockholm, 2009, p.130
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 popularized 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. ~H.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
The work of Swedish designers and cabinetmakers remains disarmingly fresh over 80 years after their creation. There is something universally appealing about Swedish furniture; its simplicity is often copied, but its vibe is difficult to emulate. This is based on a unique medley of elements including solid wood, inspiration from historic and traditional styles and techniques, and of course, master craftsmanship.
While other Nordic countries explored similar design principles, the Swedish interpretation stands out for its refined minimalism. Swedish Modern is an inheritance coming from a rich tradition of beauty-loving people, courageous enough to break away from the past to entertain new forms for living. So, what sets Swedish Modern pieces apart, even within the broader Scandinavian design spectrum, is their particular emphasis on understated elegance. This set of dining chairs exemplifies this approach, featuring a subtle yet distinctive design that effortlessly combines form and function. While dining chairs are generally more utilitarian types of seating, this set of four still manages to look cosy and warm thanks to the pairing of materials. The main decorative element remains the beauty of the birch wood, with its distinctive colour variation and grain. Birch's durability and fine grain also contribute to the longevity of these chairs, showcasing the intersection of aesthetics and practicality inherent in Swedish design. Another defining feature of these chairs lies in their expertly fitted upholstered seats, enveloped in a sumptuous brownish fabric. This choice of upholstery not only adds a touch of luxury, but also serves as a nod to comfort, demonstrating the Swedish commitment to creating furniture that is both aesthetically pleasing and inviting. The simple, warm colour palette and gentle design make this set of chairs an ideal addition to both contemporary and traditional living spaces. It is evident that the maker of these chairs was highly aware of body proportions, prioritising comfort just as much as the visual qualities.
The term Swedish Modern was quickly established as a reinterpretation of modernity during the 1940s, and in the new style, early and square functionalism was replaced by a freer and more artistic ideal. This set of dining chairs beautifully stands as a testament to this rich legacy. Overall, these pieces are stylish from all angles and seek to complement their surroundings.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration due to the nature and age of the materials. The chairs have 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:
18.89 in W x 18.11 in D x 31.49 in; Seat height 18.89 in; Seat depth 15.55 in
48 cm W x 46 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 48 cm; Seat depth 39.5 cm