Carl Malmsten "Stugan" Armchair for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1950s

















Carl Malmsten "Stugan" Armchair for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1950s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Carl Malmsten is one of Sweden's most famous furniture designers. Many of his furniture are considered modern design classics. His present 'Stugan' (Cottage or Cabin in Swedish) armchair was designed by Malmsten for OH Sjögrens Stoppmöbler in Tranås, Sweden. This cosy model demonstrates Carl Malmsten’s fine sense of proportion, line tension and balance between the surfaces, and how skilfully he carried in the heritage of traditional allmoge (folk art) design.
This Stugan chair is – design-wise- in the vein of Swedish modernism, with simplicity and functionality, while also showcasing the subtle details and quality Malmsten is known and appreciated for. Even though Swedish design is generally democratic and meant for the masses, pieces were not stripped of all beauty in order to make them as easy to use as possible. The importance of this balance can be identified in the design and execution of this armchair as well: The wooden spindles comprising the back are the most apparent visual feature of the chairs, while the more subtle details, such as the upholstered seat and back cushions, make this model interesting. The design of this chair shows great balance of lines and utilization of the natural beauty of the pinewood. The solid pine structure is a frame for the cushions, both in a literal and figurative way. The light patterned bouclé fabric is beautifully framed by the chair’s frame, highlighting the captivating texture of both materials. The back and removable seat cushion are quite rotund; therefore, the sitting comfort is great. During his career, Malmsten collaborated with several architects, such as Ragnar Östberg, Ivar Tengbom, and Ferdinand Boberg. He designed furniture for Stockholm's concert hall and Ulriksdal castle. He participated in the now iconic hosing exhibition at Liljevalchs gallery in 1917, where the term "Beautiful everyday goods" was coined. Still, the producer of most of his upholstered pieces was O.H. Sjögren in Tranås, Sweden.
This “Cottage” armchair is an elegant and comfortable evidence of the mastery and artistry of the Swedish cabinetmakers who defined mid-20th century modern seating. O. H. Sjögren was one of these renowned workshops, materializing a great deal of Carl Malmsten’s most brilliant upholstered designs. This chair is of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Its name is mirrored in its construction and cosy aesthetic quality, offering the same level of comfort and sense of wellbeing and comfort as the Swedish cottages that also inspired Axel Einar Hjorth’s collectible pinewood pieces.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium patterned bouclé fabric.
Dimensions:
6.18 in W x 32.28 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Arm height 23.22 in
66.5 cm W x 82 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Arm height 59 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—the Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies (Carl Malmstensskolan), which has been a part of Linköping University since 2000, is situated on the island of Lidingö on the outskirts of Stockholm. Carl Malmsten spoke 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.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This peculiar mid-century easy chair features multiple distinctive characteristics, from its floating back to the curvaceous armrests. This model is, without a doubt, the work of a master cabinetmaker. The period from roughly the 1940s through the 1960s was a high point for Scandinavian furniture makers, and this chair shows why.
The elegant organic lines of the design create a striking silhouette. Its generous proportions and luxurious upholstery provide great sitting comfort. The chair’s seat and backrest are separated in a style that is typical of Swedish designer, Otto Schulz. This stylish feature highlights the beautiful oaken frame. The armrests are in a peculiar shape, wider in the middle, and along with the generous proportions and upholstery, are perfectly sculpted to accommodate the sitter. Schulz was known for his floating back designs as seen here, preventing the chair from looking heavy. As with most lounge chairs, this chair is also built in a slightly reclined position which provides ultimate comfort. Thanks to the open profile and luxurious, organic style, it is an ideal way to draw attention while complementing any space.
Swedish furniture reflected traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship and mixed it with a modern style. This is reflected in the beautiful sheepskin upholstery, which give this easy chair a soft, modern edge. The sturdy frame and armrests are all carved from solid oak and have acquired a beautiful patina over the decades.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the chair may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has been recently reupholstered in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
27.95 in W x 30.90 in D x 31.29 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
71 cm W x 78,5 cm D x 79,5 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
About the (attributed) designer:
Otto Schulz (1882-1970) was Swedish interior designer, furniture designer, publisher and founder of the furniture company BOET in Gothenburg.
Schulz was born in Germany and moved to Sweden in 1907. He mainly produced opulent upholstered furniture, as well as lavishly inlaid, decorative box furniture style-wise between functionalism and traditionalism. He has some of his own invented techniques patented, including the use of decorative nails as part of the design, called Bopoint. After establishing his own furniture company, BOET, he used it as a showroom to exhibit his designs as well.
In the 1920s he started publishing the eponymous magazine BOET, which was also a platform for his own collection. The magazine was at the time the most influential, appearing in regular editions in Sweden and often included interviews with well-known designers and architects. ~H.