Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs Furniture

The “Rialto” easy chair is an exceptional model thanks to its amazing woven back. The design showcases the expertly calculated balance of functionality and form that defined the design of the 1950s in the Nordic countries. Finnish design icon, Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs developed the model for his own furniture company, ‘Hiort Tuote Valmistaja Puunveisto Helsinki’, or ‘Hiort Product Manufacturer Puunveisto (woodcarver) Helsinki’. The main design element is unquestionably the leather back that is expertly woven in a cross pattern, standing out against the light upholstered square shaped back cushions. The simple, geometric wooden frames crafted from high-quality wood have a minimalist and timeless elegance. The clean lines and precise angles are hallmarks of Nordic design, reflecting the region's affinity for functional beauty. In this chair model, the streamlined geometric lines of the wood are the perfect frame to showcase both the cushions and the gorgeous back. Hiort af Ornäs was particularly firm about two things regarding his chair designs: the sitting comfort and that the model must look good from every single angle. Much like the “Pedro” model, this pair of ”Rialto” easy chairs easily fulfils these principles, as even from the sides, the design showcases the expertly carved wooden structures and their lightly raised profiles. The removable seat and back cushions, framed by the open bodies, ensure the sitting comfort. The craftsmanship and quality of Hiort af Ornäs is very visible in this pair of easy chairs. This model was designed in 1955-56 and was already exhibited in Milano for the XIth Triennale in 1957, evidencing its then contemporary success. The seating designs of the architect/designer have been gradually more and more recognized world-wide, which resulted in a recent exhibition titled “Forgotten Ornäs”. Form follows function is a principle of design associated with early and mid-20th century architecture and furniture design, stating that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose. This was evidently an important principle for the designer, seen in the design of both the structure and aesthetic elements of these “Rialto” chairs...

At the Tenth Milan Triennial in 1954, Finland received the largest relative proportion of available prizes. The amount was even more than those eight prizes the country collected at a previous Triennial in 1951, when it made its initial break-through in the international exhibitions of design. A new era had begun: The 1950s and 1960s became known as the golden age of Finnish design and also of designer, Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs. Distinctive and original furniture characterize the Finnish mid-century, with immediately recognizable features such as the legs of this so-called “Kolmiojalka” (triangular foot) or simply ‘TV bench...

These “Pedro” armchairs show the homely curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed this model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy. The Pedro...

These “Pedro” armchairs show the homely curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed the model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy. The Pedro ...

These “Pedro” armchairs show the homely curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed the model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy. The Pedro mo...