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

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This “Lilla Eva” model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection, which was created by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden.

This chair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created the peculiar shape of “Lilla Eva” chairs that is only increasing in popularity. Thanks to her unique vision, these chairs have an unmistakeable backrest that flows down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low, therefore opening the seats, the chair still gives the impression of hugging the sitter. The upholstered body elevates the visual comfort, with tufted backrests that are festooned with nine symmetrically arranged buttons.

The upholstery is a premium, robust medley of wool and linen fabric with a soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design. The yellow cross stitches give this chair a modern flair, contrasting stylishly to the light fabric. Similarly, the stained and tapered wood legs pair perfectly with the sculptural and organic form of the body. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, “Little Eva” easy chairs have become iconic.

Condition:

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

Dimensions:

27.55 in W x 30.51 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 15.15 in

70 cm W x 77.5 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm

About the Designer:

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.

She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.

"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."

Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.

Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.