Pair of Metal and Leatherette Armchairs, Europe ca 1960s


















Pair of Metal and Leatherette Armchairs, Europe ca 1960s
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Post-war European seating increasingly moved toward lighter and more flexible forms, reflecting a broader modernist interest in practicality of construction. Rather than concealing how a chair was assembled, designers emphasised the frames, experimenting with materials like plywood, die-cast aluminium, and fiberglass. This pair of armchairs reflects the time period through its crossed metal frames and suspended seating, combining utilitarian construction with a distinctly sculptural presence.
The chairs are constructed around slender metal supports that intersect beneath the seat in an X-shaped formation, giving the pieces both stability and a dynamic sense of movement. Rather than relying on heavy upholstery or enclosed forms, the seating is created through black leatherette elements attached to the frame. The backs, armrests and seats feature the original material, a testament to the vintage character of the chairs. The arm straps are suspended within the structure through brass elements connecting them to the backs and legs, allowing for a natural curve that contrasts the rigidity of the industrial materials. The gold brass hardware and finials stand out against the silver frames, adding chromatic variation. On the side, the angled supports and suspended seating create a layered composition of intersecting lines and surfaces that fascinates regardless of the viewpoint.
The balance between practicality, comfort, and sculptural form gives the pair an architectural character. The exposed framework keeps the design visually open and adaptable, while the leather introduces warmth and texture.
Condition:
In used vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items have some marks, scratches, dents, and discolouration. The brass details are patinated. The armrests are delicate. The pair come in their original upholstery, we advise reupholstery. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
21.06 in W x 25.19 in D x 36.61 in H; Seat height 20.27 in; Seat depth 18.89 in; Arm height 24.40 in
53.5 cm W x 64 cm D x 93 cm H; Seat height 51.5 cm; Seat depth 48 cm; Arm height 62 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Illum Wikkelsø was a recognisable figure of Danish seating design in the post-war decades, known for creating furniture that combined sculptural silhouettes with a strong emphasis on comfort. Working throughout the 1950s and 1960s with manufacturers such as Søren Willadsen, Wikkelsø developed lounge chairs and sofas that softened the stricter geometry of earlier modernism through curved lines. His designs often relied on exposed wood, generous upholstery, and carefully balanced proportions, allowing seating to feel visually substantial without becoming heavy.
Model “110” reflects this approach through its dramatic winged silhouette and restrained material palette. The chair is upholstered in black leather that wraps continuously around the high back, seat, and armrests, emphasizing the sculptural quality of the form. The backrest rises upward into pronounced side panels that connect the wings to the armrests. The sides curve gently forward, creating a protective and enveloping shape around the sitter. These extended sides visually frame the head and shoulders. The leather surface contributes to the overall character of the piece: its subtle texture catches light differently across the curved sections, giving depth to the large upholstered planes. In contrast to the dark upholstery, the chair rests on a solid wooden base with angled legs that introduce warmth and visual lightness. The exposed wood creates a clear separation between the upholstered body and the floor.
The balance between softness and structure is central to the success of this design. The chair carries the commanding presence associated with high-back lounge seating, yet the flowing transitions between its elements prevent it from feeling rigid. Wikkelsø’s ability to merge comfort with sculptural clarity is especially evident here, making the model equally compelling as functional seating and as a statement piece within an interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. The chair comes with its original leather that has developed a natural patina over time. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.93 in W x 35.04 in D x 35.44 in H; Seat height 14.57 in; Seat depth 21.26 in; Arm height 21.66 in
76 cm W x 89 cm D x 90 cm H; Seat height 37 cm; Seat depth 54 cm; Arm height 55 cm