Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs Oak Easy Chair for Puunveisto Helsinki, Finland 1950s
Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs Oak Easy Chair for Puunveisto Helsinki, Finland 1950s
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This rare oak easy chair showcases the homely curviness that defined the design of the 1950s in the Nordic countries. Hiort af Ornäs developed the model for his own furniture company, ‘Hiort Tuote Valmistaja Puunveisto Helsinki’, or ‘Hiort Product Manufacturer Puunveisto (woodcarver) Helsinki’.
The body has a soft, sculptural shape paired with an ergonomic and firm construction. 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. Much like the “Pedro” model, this easy chair easily fulfils these principles, as even from the bottom, it showcases the expertly carved oak structure. The removable seat cushion, framed by the open body, ensures the sitting comfort. The seat, back- and armrests are all formed from a single piece that has an organic, outward curving look that is highly inviting and stylish. Especially on the armrests, the curves highlight the texture of the velvet upholstery and vice versa. The fabric is most appealing on rounded, curving forms, therefore it is a perfect match for this easy chair. The legs on the other side have a more straightforward design, creating an interesting contrast with the upholstered body. They are gently splayed and bent to support the seat and display the oak’s beautiful, darker shade. The craftsmanship and quality of Hiort af Ornäs is very visible in this easy chair.
The seating designs of the architect/designer have been gradually more and more recognized world-wide, which resulted in a recent exhibition titled “Forgotten Ornäs”. Form follows function is a principle of design associated with early and mid-20th century architecture and furniture design, stating that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose. This was evidently an important principle for the designer, seen in the design of both the structure and aesthetic elements.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This chair has been reupholstered recently in premium velvet. 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:
34.05 in W x 31.49 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 18.11 in
86.5 cm W x 80 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 46 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.
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
Finland and Helsinki are extremely important in mid-century modern design history, and one of the most famous designers of the period was Alvar Aalto. In contrast with the functionalism of the international style, Aalto brought a refreshing breath of humanism to modern design, as evidenced by this pair of Model “400” armchairs.
There is a saying that “Functionalism is a Finnish thing”, and it is hard to argue with that when looking at this pair of chairs. Functionality is without a doubt one of the most important aspects of Finnish design, however, there is also a demand for the highest quality, both in design and materials. Alvar Aalto is the Finnish icon of functionalism, and through this “400” or “Tank” model it is easy to see why. The design is first and foremost functional, combining practicality and aesthetics. These chairs feature a solid wooden frame with a striking silhouette. The arms are particularly distinctive thanks to their geometric look. They create a sculptural line that complements the simplicity of the overall form. The wood is painted black and pairs beautifully with the green upholstery, offering a restrained yet sophisticated material contrast. The choice of green allows for a sense of luxury and richness while still remaining grounded.
Aalto's free-form designs, in harmony with human needs and nature, anticipated the organic modernism of the 1950s and 1960s. This model can be a design statement in any space while also serving its functional purpose.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The pair has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
30.51 in W × 34.64 in D × 25.98 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Seat depth 23.62 in; Arm height 19.29 in
77.5 cm W x 88 cm D x 66 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Seat depth 60 cm; Arm height 49 cm