Eva & Niels Koppel Armchairs

When Eva and Nils Koppel met, she was studying mathematics, and he was studying engineering. Together they studied architecture and worked in Alvar Aalto’s office. Their furniture pieces - such as this lovely “Model 781” easy chair - with their organic shapes, wooden structure, and brightly coloured upholstery, is very representative of Scandinavian design. The couple’s style gradually moved away from the ‘Aaltian’ Organicism and approached a more sober and refined International Style that followed in the footsteps of Mies van der Rohe and Arne Jacobsen. This easy chair is more in the vein of this refined style with a clear preoccupation with modernism and architectural precision. This comes as no surprise as the couple ran one of Denmark’s most prominent architectural firms and designed a number of iconic buildings. The streamlined modernism of mid-century Denmark formed the lines of this chair, which is evident in the tight edges and subtle curves. The back flows into the armrests that roll outwards, resulting in an open, inviting look. The fully upholstered body rests on stained beech legs that are in a classic, tapered shape. The chair is slightly raised towards the front for ultimate sitting comfort. The Danish design idiom was centred on warm woods, quality fabrics and gentle yet robust support for the spine - qualities that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture. The Koppels’ exceptional architectural talent is evident even in this model 781 easy chair, which is outstanding not only in the couple’s repertoire, but also among mid-century Danish easy chairs. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium velour 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: 31.1 in W x 28.34 in D x 31.1 in H; Seat Height 16.53 in 79 cm W x 72 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 42 cm Literature: Bygge & Bo. Nr. 3, 1953, p. 43. About the designer: Eva Koppel, born Eva Ditlevsen (1916-2006) and Nils Adolf Koppel (1914-2009) were a Danish functionalist architect couple who characterized the post-war era and the public building of the welfare society. Nils and Eva Koppel...

Model designed for Slagelse Mobelverk. Beech, wool and leather. Measures: W 70 cm/ 2' 4" D 70 cm/ 2' 4" H 84 cm/ 2' 9 1/2" SH 47 cm/ 18 1/2".

Stained beech frame, woolen fabric with natural leather piping. Measures: H 85 cm/ 2' 9 1/2" W 65 cm/ 2' 2 1/2" D 60 cm/ 2'.