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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

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The dark wood, the beautiful upholstery, and Erik Bertil Karlén’s timeless design makes this rare easy chair a beautiful representation of Swedish mid-century modern design history.

For this model, nature was evidently a great source of inspiration, therefore sharp edges or corners can rarely be found. With a tremendous sense of proportion, this chair model is very comfortable and fulfils its task to “serve well” and last for lifetimes. Without any ornamentation, the focus here is on the round, flowing lines of the body and its upholstery. The design has the wingback look with sides that embrace the sitter in a cosy way. On the upper end, the “wings” curve outward, which opens up the design. What makes this model special is how the back and seat form one unit both visually and structurally. This shell-like form has a masterful curve that follows the human body’s shape therefore the chair is very ergonomic. The dark, wooden tapered legs are connected by stretchers on the sides and highlight the body with their understated look. The light upholstery with appealing button tufting provides an elegant look with its textured look and a cosy sitting experience thanks to its softness.

Swedish Modern design is a distinctive style that represents a design philosophy, guided by functionality, simplicity and clean lines. Karlén and his own manufactory, Firma Rumsinteriör, not only had a preference for its main characteristics and materials, but a deep respect as well. The design of this model is in favour of the user, maintaining the focus on authentic simplicity.

Condition:

In very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. 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:

28.14 in W x 28.74in D x 33.26 in H; Seat height 16.14 in

71.5 cm W x 73 cm D x 84.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm

Literature:

Form: Svenska slöjdföreningens tidskrift, Svenska slöjdföreningen, Stockholm, 1943, p. 87.
Hedqvist, Hedvig & Björk, Christian, "Swedish Modern : En historia om modernismens yttringar i Sverige genom design, inredning och formgivning", Orosdi-Back, 2018, p. 228-229.

About the designer:

Erik Bertil Karlén was born on February 22, 1912 in Sundbyberg, Sweden. He was a Swedish architect and designer. His architecture characterized many areas of Stockholm’s suburbs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

After his training as an architect at KTH in the 1930s, Karlén got a job as an architect at Fortifikationsstyrelsen's Kasernbyrå in 1940. One of his major works at this time was designing the buildings for Svea Livgarde in Sörentorp, Solna municipality, which was completed in 1946. He gave the buildings a simple but careful architectural style using predominantly red brick as the facade material. Some had brick in combination with dark-glazed wood panels.

As many of his contemporary Scandinavian architects, Karlén also designed furniture, mostly seating models. His designs however, remain very rare to this day.