European Cabinetmaker Chairs with Footstools Upholstered in Bouclé, Europe ca 1950s
European Cabinetmaker Chairs with Footstools Upholstered in Bouclé, Europe ca 1950s
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
European Cabinetmaker seating pieces from the mid-century era were style-forming like none before, and raised the standard of the European home and to improve the taste for a better quality of design. It is an inheritance coming from a rich tradition of beauty loving people who were courageous enough to break away from the swaddling clothes of the past to entertain new forms for living.
This pair is focused on elegant and measured proportions, balanced compositions, and refined décor elements including the exclusive materials. The versatile shapes, from the rounded edges on the top to the pointed armrests and tapered legs make these chairs stand out. The square-shaped backs and arms are visually defining thanks to their sheer size and shape that complement each other. The backs are gently enveloping, creating a structured, but still flowing angle and impression. The beautiful, richly textured bouclé fabric brings out the versatility of the shapes even further, and contrasts to the solid wood splayed legs’ dark brown colour as well. The chairs are undecorated, the materials and the design itself remain in the centre of the look, which further adds to the modern edge. In general, qualities of European modern furniture include simple clean lines without excess decoration, made with richly grained woods. This pair is completed by matching footstools dressed in the same luxurious bouclé fabric. Their splayed legs highlight the chairs’ legs as well, especially when placed in close proximity.
This set has an understated, elegant look that is harmonious and well-balanced. The design, through the gentle, rounded edges and shapes expresses cosiness without losing any of the elegance. The ergonomic design together with the footstools assure an exceptional lounging experience.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs and stools have been reupholstered recently in a 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:
Lounge Chairs
27.16 in W x 27.36 in D x 34.44 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Arm height 23.42 in
69 cm W x 69.5 cm D x 87.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Arm height 59.5 cm
Footstool
17.71 in W x 14.37 in D x 14.17 in H
45 cm W x 36.5 cm D x 36 cm H
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
The “Laila” model by the Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen, originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection.
This pair of “nr. 238” armchairs are from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating, that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushions and back with five tufted buttons. The bodies have the classic Nordic look, which explains the contemporary popularity of these armchairs both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the soft sheepskin upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well.
Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930, the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s present Laila armchairs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently 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:
32.87 in W x 32.87 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 17.51 in
83.5 cm W x 83.5 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 44.5 cm
Literature:
Riitta Miestamo "The Form and Substance of Finnish Furniture", Askon Säätiö, Esan Kirjapaino oy, Lahti 1981.p 65.
About the Designer:
Ilmari Lappalainen (1918 - 2006) was a great Finnish designer whose most active working years were from the end of the 1940s until the end of the 1970s.
Lappalainen first graduated as a teacher of woodworking in 1939, followed by a degree in interior design in 1947. By the end of the school of interior design, he was already working as an intern in Asko and after graduating he got a permanent design position at the company. Lappalainen worked as a teacher and as an interior designer for Asko's department stores, public spaces and hotels.
Lappalainen's most popular products / series are the Laila sofa set, the Seija rocking chair, the lazy castle Rex and the Pulkka armchair. Interestingly, the chairs from the Columna series were sold as health chairs for a long time, because they had such a good ergonomic design, that it prevented back problems. The chairs eventually received medical approval as well. ~H.