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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

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The stylish mid-century curves that define Carl Malmsten’s aesthetic are just as recognizable today as they were 70 years ago. The Swedish designer devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by country manors and rustic styles, resulting in a timeless style.

This first model of the “Samspel” series was introduced at the exhibition at Röhsska Museet (the Swedish Museum of Design and Crafts) in Gothenburg in 1956. The name translates to ‘interaction’, which refers to not only Carl Malmsten’s design philosophy, but also to mid-century Swedish society. Samspel is an honest classic in Swedish design history, as comfortable as it is fastidious in the expression. Sweeping curves with an organic impression and outmost quality: these are the main characteristics that define these armchairs. They welcome the sitter in every sense, with an open design that includes outward curving arms with little flaps. The backs and arms aren’t separated, instead they form shells that with flowing lines that perfectly accommodate the sitter. The organicity of the design is not broken by any heavy ornamentation, instead the beautifully coloured upholstery is utilized to further highlight the modern and cosy shape of the chairs. The design is completed by tapered, solid wood legs with a dark colour that contrasts nicely with the upholstery. Even as a young designer in the early 20th century, Carl Malmsten advocated artisanal furniture design based on local ingredients and traditions. The quality of execution never fell behind either, as he worked with the leading furniture manufacturers of the time.

Although Malmsten’s furniture was very much a product of the thoughts and ideals of the time, they have a timeless quality that makes them equally up-to-date and loved today. This is especially true for Samspel, a much loved and coveted series that was produced by O.H Sjögren.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These chairs come with 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:

28.34 in W x 24.8 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Arm height 22.83 in

72 cm W x 63 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Arm height 58 cm

About the designer:

Carl Malmsten (December 7, 1888 – August 13, 1972) was a Swedish furniture designer, architect, and educator. Malmsten was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Malmsten's career took off when he won a competition in 1916 to design furniture for the Stockholm City Hall and shortly after in 1917, he exhibited alongside well-known Swedish architects such as Gunnar Asplund and Uno Åhrén.

In the 1920s he was invited to furnish a room for the crown prince, Gustaf VI Adolf, and his wife Louise in Ulriksdal Palace. He was honoured with an inaugural Prince Eugen Medal for design in 1945. Already as a young designer in the early 20th century, Carl Malmsten advocated an artisanal furniture design based on local ingredients and traditions, available to a wide audience at a reasonable price.

Nature was Carl Malmsten's foremost teacher and source of inspiration. He conveyed his love of craftsmanship as a teacher in his own schools, at Olofskolan in Stockholm, Capellagården on Öland and the Carl Malmsten school on Lidingö, today a branch of Linköping University and one of the country's leading design colleges. As a debater, Malmsten stormed against functionalism, but in retrospect it can be seen that his ideas often coincided with the rational and frugal style ideals of function.

Malmsten has had a lasting influence on Swedish furniture design through the two schools he founded. He’s always spoken about the importance of tradition, craftsmanship, and the nation. His furniture was in many ways a product of the thoughts and ideals of the time, they have a timeless quality that makes them just as relevant and loved today. ~H.