Dutch Modern Armchair by Jan den Drijver for De Stijl, The Hague 1950s

In the mid-1950s, Carl Malmsten awarded ten small furniture companies, mainly in Småland, the honour of making a series of some of his products. Among the first pieces was “Farmor”, which soon became the most popular armchair model. In 1956, Carl Malmsten was on one of his regular visits to Sjögren's Upholstery Workshop in Tranås to develop new models for his furniture program. That was when this “Grandma” chair...

The term Swedish Modern was quickly established as a reinterpretation of modernity during the 1940s, and in the new Swedish Modern style, early and square functionalism was replaced ...

The stylish midcentury curves that define Carl Malmsten’s aesthetic are just as recognizable today as they were 70 years ago. The Swedish designer devoted his life to the renewal of ...

Axel Larsson was an incredibly productive Swedish furniture architect and designer with a more than 50-year long career. This armchair is a rarity, despite Larsson being most well-known for his furniture series designed for and mass-produced by SMF Bodafors. This particular chair takes inspiration from the uplifting, pared-down aesthetic of Scandinavian design. The design consists of a smooth sculptural frame crafted in curved and stained wood that frames a finely tailored seat and back. The streamlined design of the wood structure immediately stands out for its pronounced lines and airy construction. It shows off the architectural precision put into both the design and into the execution. The curve of the arms and legs - formed of a single piece of wood - defines the look and is perfectly balanced by the straight stretchers connecting the legs. The other defining feature is the obtuse angle created by the reclined position of the back and the raised seat. This angle is also followed by the frame and as a result the aesthetic is dynamic but still exudes the functional cosiness of Swedish design. There is a clear emphasis on comfort, from the tilted back to the sculpted, wide armrests and the seat cushion. The light upholstery complements that dark stained wood by creating an apparent contrast both in colour and texture. Axel Larsson also designed furniture for individual carpenters in Stockholm; these were made in small numbers, and this armchair may be one of these rare designs. Swedish Modern style is delicately scaled, using tapering legs and clever but simple solutions as seen on this chair as well. Subtitled “A Movement Towards Sanity in Design”, it also describes quality and the ability to lend grace to the daily chores of life. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium 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: 25.59 in W x 30.31 in D x 30.9 in H; Seat height 21.65 in; Arm height 25.19 in 65 cm W x 77 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat height 55 cm; Arm height 64 cm About the Designer: Axel Larsson was born in 1898 in Torp socken, Sweden. Larsson was a professional for more than 50 years and belonged to a handful of furniture and interior designers who played a major role and influenced the development of their professional sphere. He grew up in Medelpad, and as a young carpenter's apprentice, he was given the opportunity to study further in Stockholm as a furniture designer through a scholarship from 1916 to 1920. In parallel with his studies at the Higher School of Art and Design, he was a furniture designer under Carl Malmsten during his work with furniture for Stockholm City Hall...

Elegant and rare Mid-Century Modern high back lounge chair. Design by Jan den Drijver for De Stijl Den Haag. A true example of Dutch Modern,Jan den Drijver designed this distinctive ...

Important pair of Chairs and small Cabinet designed and manufactured during Jan den Drijver’s formative years in The Hague when he established ‘Woningrichting De Stijl’, a showroom a...

Dutch Modern Armchair by Jan den Drijver for Gelderland, with newly restored carved wood frames and newly upholstered cushions...

Set of 4 dining chairs, echoing the visionary spirit of the De Stijl movement of the 1930s and inspired by the pioneering works of Vilmos Huszar and Piet Zwart. Constructed from pain...