Scandinavian Easy Chairs in Sheepskin with Ottomans, Scandinavia ca 1950s
Scandinavian Easy Chairs in Sheepskin with Ottomans, Scandinavia ca 1950s
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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
This pair of easy chairs exudes quality and personality from all angles. The basic Scandinavian furniture design principles are all present, with a functional, simple base at the core that is free of unnecessary ornamentation, aided by high-quality materials and execution. Additionally, the bodies covered in soft and stylish sheepskin provide plenty of visual pleasure.
With organic forms and harmonious proportions, these easy chairs are excellent examples of the great Scandinavian design from the era. Designed in the design phase that we know today as mid-century modern, this pair has a classic shape, paired with modern design. The generous seats and backs are welcoming, with the latter curving in such an angle that the sitter is gently “hugged”. The large, curved backrests feature tufted buttons that sink into the lush fabric accentuating its texture. The backs follow the curve of the equally generous seats, creating a harmonious look. The backside of the design is quite striking, as it is created from a single piece stemming from the base. The sheepskin used for the upholstery is the ultimate material for comfort, elevating the sheer size and shape of the chairs. At the same time, the wood also remains an important visual feature, as it is the most important material in Scandinavian mid-century design. The short and tapered wooden legs lighten the look, but are thick enough to provide adequate structural strength.
The artisanal production quality shows throughout these chairs and matching ottomans that we have added for additional comfort, both physical and visual. Their thick and round shape stands out even more next to the chairs. Defined by cosiness and exemplary craftsmanship, the design makes this set ideal for any interior and style.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs and ottomans have 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:
Chairs
33.07 in W x 33.85 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 14.96 in
84 cm W x 86 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 38 cm
Ottomans
22.83 in W x 20.86 in D x 15.74 in H
58 cm W x 53 cm D x 40 cm H
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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.