A Pair of European Armchairs in White Sheepskin, Europe 20th Century
A Pair of European Armchairs in White Sheepskin, Europe 20th Century
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
This stunning pair of European armchairs, crafted in the 20th century, epitomises the timeless allure of modern design. Fine materials and seamless craftsmanship come together to create an undeniably striking look while maintaining its functionality.
Fully upholstered in long, plush white sheepskin, it is undoubtedly the most eye-catching characteristic of the set. Not only is the sheepskin an especially beautiful choice of upholstery, but it also ensures durability through its quality. Another standout feature of these armchairs is the thoughtfully incorporated wooden overlays adorning the armrests. These wooden accents are not only visually appealing but also add a sense of practicality and further increase the longevity of the pair, ensuring the armrests remain pristine and functional for years to come. The light colour of the sheepskin contrasts beautifully against the dark stain of the overlays which flow effortlessly from the armrests into the chairs’ legs. The contrast of the materials is not only chromatic, but also textural. The tactile richness of the sheepskin creates a captivating interplay of soft and smooth when paired with the polished wood, bringing duality and depth to the pair, as well as offering an elegant balance.
These armchairs are a visual delight that will complement any interior, from classic to eclectic due to their warmth and elegance. The enveloping feel and textural comfort allow these chairs to be as welcoming as they are beautiful, perfectly combining form and function.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium longhair 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:
31.49 in W x 33.46 in D x 30.7 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Seat depth 21.65 in; Arm height 22.04 in
80 cm W x 85 cm D x 78 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Seat depth 55 cm; Arm height 56 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.