Upholstered Danish Modern Armchair with Footstool, Denmark ca 1950s
Upholstered Danish Modern Armchair with Footstool, Denmark ca 1950s
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
This armchair and footstool exudes quality and personality from all angles. The basic Danish design principles are all present - the pair is functional, simple at its core, well-crafted, and free of unnecessary ornamentation. During the 1950s, Danish makers led the way in furniture design, with seating pieces to this day being some of the most iconic of their time, and this model is no exception.
The generous seat and back of the armchair are welcoming, with the latter curving in such an angle that the sitter is gently “hugged”. This type of backrest style is called a wingback, originally, it was created as a way to help shield a person from drafts of cold air, and to trap the heat from a fireplace. That is why wingback chairs are sometimes called fireside chairs, as it was a popular style of chair to have pulled up in front of or flanking a fireplace. The embracing back and the curved arms create a welcoming impression, while the back’s elongated corners create visual interest. The generous padded armrests add another layer of relaxation for the sitter, and the luxurious, soft sheepskin upholstery provides great comfort in the name of functionality, while also transforming the chair into a beautiful addition to any interior space. Sheepskin is the ultimate material for comfort, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The production quality is evident throughout this pair and takes the mid-century idea of “furniture that last for generations” seriously.
The design of this armchair and footstool promotes relaxation and contentment, inviting one to sit back and enjoy a moment of peace. The understated elegance and natural tones create an alluring atmosphere, making it perfect for the purpose of evoking a hyggelig (cosy) environment in any home.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The items have recently been reconditioned. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium sheepskin; the footstool is a later addition, upholstered in the same fabric as the chair. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
Chair:
34.64 in W x 35.03 in D x 38.77 in H
88 cm W x 89 cm D x 98.5 cm H
Footstool:
24.40 in W x 21.26 in D x 15.16 in H
62 cm W x 54 cm D x 38.5 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This “Grand Pedro” armchair shows the curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed this model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy.
The “Grand Pedro” model has a soft, sculptural shape paired with an ergonomic construction, which is very representative of the designer’s beliefs. 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. “Pedro” fulfils these principles, for as even from the bottom, it showcases the elongated, tapered back legs that are visually captivating. The body has a welcoming look, with outward curving armrests and a slightly bent backrest. In service of utmost comfort, the sheepskin upholstery is extremely soft. The light colour and texture of the sheepskin complements the lacquered wood legs beautifully, highlighting their sculptural lines.
The craftsmanship and quality provided by Hiort af Ornäs is very visible in the “Pedro” collection that includes a sofa besides this chair. The seating designs of the architect/designer have been gradually more and more recognized world-wide, which resulted in the recent exhibition titled “Forgotten Ornäs”.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. 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:
29.13 in W x 28.34 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
74 cm W x 72 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 44 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.