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

“Jonas Love” is an iconic model that was the inspiration behind Malmsten’s several “count” chairs. With a klismos-style curved back, this pair of armchairs is the result of the work of the joinery workshop suited to artisanal production that Malmsten worked with.

Klismos chairs are known for sweeping lines and aesthetic beauty, as well as comfort offered by the concave back rest. These elements made this style popular with Carl Malmsten, a designer who was outstandingly devoted to the Swedish culture he was brought up in. A designer and architect extraordinaire, he spent his entire career promoting Swedish aesthetics. The “Jonas Love” chairs were originally designed by Malmsten for the New York World’s Fair 1939. “Break all edges thoroughly”, was a frequent instruction on the designer’s drawings and nature was his great source of inspiration, therefore sharp edges or corners can rarely be found on his designs, including these chairs. These models stand out for the way in which the upholstered seats and backs are tightly grabbed by the wooden arms and tapered legs that transcend into forming the back. With a tremendous sense of proportion, these armchairs are very comfortable and fulfil their task to “serve well” and last for lifetimes.

Carl Malmsten is one of the most famous furniture designers of Sweden, who was also active in the cultural and political sphere of the country. These chairs are reminders of his design and life philosophy that revolved around traditions and welcoming forms.

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:

24.80 in cm W x 23.82 in D x 31.30 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 19.09 in; Arm height 26.77 in

63 cm W x 60.5 cm D x 79.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 48.5 cm; Arm height 68 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 was very outspoken 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.