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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

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This lovely “Duetto” loveseat was designed back in the 1950s to bring the sitters closer together. This intention is clearly traceable in Ottelin’s drawings, where the back was drawn as hands embracing the users.

A loveseat derives its name from holding two people close to one another. First invented in the 17th century, this two-person chair was originally intended for women wearing large dresses with hoops to sit comfortably. In the Nordic countries, loveseats, such as this model, were typically made of quality woods with fully upholstered bodies to enhance the cosiness. This rare “Duetto” is unquestionably Ottelin’s most distinctive sofa model. This is primarily due to the peculiar back that has a heart shape and envelopes towards the front to form the arms as well. At the top, the edge curves outward creating a welcoming and open look. The homely curviness and precision clearly show the influence of Werner West, Ottelin’s teacher. The body, upholstered in honey-coloured sheepskin, is paired with tapered, lacquered wood legs. This combination is a true Nordic characteristic, keeping the tradition of using organic materials at its core.

As this “Duetto” sofa shows, the shapes and forms of Nordic minimalism of the mid-century are infinitely interesting. Additionally, the stylish look is always paired with the highest quality craftsmanship, here provided by the Finnish furniture company, Kervo Snickerifabrik, Oy Stockmann. The Kerava cabinetmaking company was founded on February 1, 1862 and Ottelin 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.

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.

Dimensions:

60.23 in W x 29.52 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 17.32 in

153 cm W x 75 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 44 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.