Nordic Modern Lounge Chairs in Mongolian Shearling, Finland ca 1950s
Nordic Modern Lounge Chairs in Mongolian Shearling, Finland ca 1950s
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
From early on, a dialogue with nature became the prime force in the ongoing evolution of Finnish design. This relationship with nature was much in evidence in early 20th century Finnish design, which actively expanded on the metaphors and motifs therein. This stunning chair revolves around high-quality materials, comfort, and the mastery of the era’s European cabinetmakers.
The design is focused on the aesthetics of modernism whilst employing the exquisite qualities of the upholstery. In many ways this chair transcends the word ‘modern’ thanks to its unique look. The outstanding look is the result of the brilliant pairing of materials. The solid wood structures’ smooth lines stand out even under the highly textural shearling while also accentuating the individuality of the upholstery. The soft fibres of the lightweight, curly Mongolian shearling drape beautifully over the lounge chairs, while the light greyish colour provides a lot of depth. As opposed to traditional shearling, Mongolian lamb/shearling (also known as shag) is a long, flouncy fur celebrated for its softness and luxurious volume. As it can be expected from Nordic pieces, functionality, and comfort are still kept at the core of the design. This is especially evident in the gently curved, enveloping backs and the tapered legs. The lacquered solid wood legs’ dark colour and smoothness further highlight the upholstery, creating a balanced look. Thanks to its visual qualities, mainly the shearling’s lush texture and colour, this pair of infinitely cosy lounge chairs can also be used as accent pieces to break the restrained aesthetic of any minimalistic space.
The use of exquisite materials, the combination of crafts with industrial production, and the obvious influence of the organic in Finnish design all created a stir of excitement during the 20th century. This excitement carries on today thanks to pieces such as these exceptional lounge chairs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in Mongolian shearling. 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:
30.31 in W x 34.25 in D x 30.7 in H; Seat height 18.11 in
77 cm W x 87 cm D x 78 cm H; Seat height 46 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This “Grand Pedro” armchair shows the curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed this model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy.
The “Grand Pedro” model has a soft, sculptural shape paired with an ergonomic construction, which is very representative of the designer’s beliefs. Hiort af Ornäs was very firm about two things regarding his chair designs: the sitting comfort and that the model must look good from every single angle. “Pedro” fulfils these principles, for as even from the bottom, it showcases the elongated, tapered back legs that are visually captivating. The body has a welcoming look, with outward curving armrests and a slightly bent backrest. In service of utmost comfort, the sheepskin upholstery is extremely soft. The light colour and texture of the sheepskin complements the lacquered wood legs beautifully, highlighting their sculptural lines.
The craftsmanship and quality provided by Hiort af Ornäs is very visible in the “Pedro” collection that includes a sofa besides this chair. The seating designs of the architect/designer have been gradually more and more recognized world-wide, which resulted in the recent exhibition titled “Forgotten Ornäs”.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium 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:
29.13 in W x 28.34 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
74 cm W x 72 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 44 cm
About the designer:
Carl-Gustaf Vilhelm (nicknamed “Nalle”) Hiort of Ornäs was born on 27 February 1911 and lived most of his life in Tapiola/Espoo in Finland and in his later life moved to Spain. He is remembered as a Finnish interior architect and designer known to be uncompromising.
Before the Finnish wars (1939-1944), Hiort af Ornäs spent his time in Pori, working at Björneborgs Mekaniska Verkstad. He studied at the Helsinki University of Technology to become an architect but never graduated. He did, however, become known as an interior designer, and eventually even more known as a furniture designer.
In 1945, Hiort af Ornäs founded the furniture company Puunveisto Oy, for which he developed versatile techniques for shaping plywood. He started the furniture manufacturing shop on Lauttasaari in Helsinki (Veneentekijäntie 14) together with his brother. The wood shop, showroom and office were all located in the same building in Helsinki. Rolf Mesterton was the man in charge of producing the furniture, but there were several other carpenters at work in the woodshop. Hiort af Ornäs’s furniture was exhibited and sold by the shop Nupponen who also distributed Olavi Hänninen’s designs, while Puunveisto’s furniture were also sold by Gösta Westerbergs Möbler in Stockholm, Sweden but, in spite of a good selection of chairs, tables and shelves, did not do too well. Since production costs were high, Hiort af Ornäs faced economic troubles. The company was later sold to Nupponen after which Hiort af Ornäs’s interest in the company waned.
Hiort af Ornäs spent his retirement in Spain, and designed several buildings for Fuengirola’s Los Pacos neighbourhood, which has a large Finnish population. His house that he drew and built in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland, ‘Villa Hiort’, still stands and houses some of the designer’s original drawings. It is a beautiful example of 1950s Modernism and the talent of Hiort af Ornäs that brought him recognition that lasts to this day. ~H.