Olof Ottelin "Munk" Lounge Chair for Oy Stockmann Ab, Finland 1960s
Olof Ottelin "Munk" Lounge Chair for Oy Stockmann Ab, Finland 1960s
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Finnish master cabinetmakers, like Olof Ottelin, have been creating products that last for a lifetime and become heirlooms naturally. Crafted with precision from solid wood, finished with attention to detail and care, this lounge chair stands the test of time thanks to both its aesthetic quality and build.
This chair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. It has an unmistakable shape, with a backrest that flows down to form the armrests that sit low, therefore opening the seat to create an airy, inviting look. Finnish design is a remarkable combination of concern for comfort and materiality melded with a desire for sleekness, that is evidently present in the lines of this lounge chair.
The decorative cross stitches on the backrest serve as the only form of ornamentation, therefore they stand out even more. The unique upholstery of the body and seat cushion is complemented by the tapered stained wood legs. Tilted in the back, the slim legs have a classically modern look. This armchair expresses a particular feeling of warmth and comfort with its friendly and rounded form, with an impression of simplicity also apparent in this piece. Standing at the intersection of form and function, this is a timeless piece that will never go out of style.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small marks on the wood. 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:
32.28 in W x 36.22 in D x 41.14 in H; Seat height 16.93 in; Seat depth 19.29 in; Arm height 20.67 in
82 cm W x 92 cm D x 104.5 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 49 cm; Arm height 52.5 cm
About the designer:
Karl Olof Ottelin (Helsinki, 3 May 1917 - Helsinki, 9 February 1971) was a Finnish interior designer and furniture designer who, in the 1950s, was the director and chief designer of Stockmann's furniture department.
Ottelin began his studies at the Central School of Art and Design in 1939, but had to suspend his studies for 1941–1944 due to conscription. He graduated as an interior designer in 1946 and started at Stockmann's drawing office in 1948. He served as director of the company's furniture department from 1953 to 1954 and as artistic director of interior design from 1955 until his death in 1971.
Ottelin's best-known products are modern wooden chairs, but he also designed cabinet and shelving systems and extensive interior design for a variety of properties. In 1952, Olof Ottelin designed the furniture for the Swedish School of Economics in Helsinki together with Lisa Johansson-Pape (lamps), Yki Nummi (coloring) and Dora Jung (textiles). Ottelin also did design work for the wallpaper factory Pihlgren & Ritola and the television manufacturer Helvar.
The versatile designer was also known as a cartoonist, whose drawings were published in the interior magazine Kaunis Koti, in live TV programs on YLE, and in the Swedish-language publications' Nya Pressen, Lucifer, Astra and Nordisk Medicin. He also wrote articles for the journal Architect, among others. In January-February 1989, the Amos Anderson Art Museum organized an exhibition of Olof Ottel's furniture and drawings.