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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

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Carl Malmsten has designed over 1000 different furniture models, most of which were named, giving his models even more character. “Gamla Stan”, Swedish for “Old Town”, is a classic Malmsten chair design with his signature curves and forms.

This Carl Malmsten chair model used to be owned by Carneruds (a furniture store on Götgatan, Stockholm) and therefore they had the exclusive rights to sell this model throughout Sweden. Carl Malmsten was known for his devotion to traditional Swedish craftsmanship (slöjd) and his opposition to functionalism. He "considered the rationalization of the home according to functionalist principles a debasement of its traditional role as an intimate place for gathering and repose". This pair of armchairs materialize this sentiment. The rounded edges and welcoming shape signifies the homely aesthetic Malmsten aimed for. Sharp corners are not to be found, as “neither light, nor eyes or people like bumping into sharp corners”, as the designer once explained. The tufted buttons on the back further add to the cosy look, and the outward curving arms and back assure comfort. The solid wood legs add am organic touch, and used to come in custom lengths, manufactured based on the client’s needs.

Carl Malmsten was not only one of the most famous furniture designer in Sweden. He was also one of the great cultural celebrities of the last century, with a strong influence on domestic and public environments and the social debate of the time. As this pair of “Gamla Stan” chairs show, Carl Malmsten represents a distinct style of interior design that lives on long after its creator has passed away.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium bouclé 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:

25 in W x 34.84 in D x 37.4 in H; Seat height 15.35 in

63.5 cm W x 88.5 cm D x 95 cm H; Seat height 39 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—the Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies (Carl Malmstensskolan), which has been a part of Linköping University since 2000, is situated on the island of Lidingö on the outskirts of Stockholm. Carl Malmsten spoke 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.