Norwegian Armchairs

Though their country has a long tradition of craftsmanship, for numerous reasons mid-century Norwegian designers never gained the same international renown as their peers in neighbouring nations. But as these gorgeous chairs show, when modernism reached the country, exceptional pieces were created. Designers in the post-war period focused on simple, well-made pieces of homegrown woods such as walnut and pine. The pine frames of this pair are outstanding, both in visual and technical terms. The sculptural spindles are arranged symmetrically on all sides, forming the lower half of the backrest as well. They also give the chairs and airy, light look despite being made of solid wood. The armrests have beautiful curvature and follow the lines of the seat cushion, as they are both raised gently towards the front. The seats under the cushion showcase the impeccable dovetail joinery both in the front and in the back. The legs have two horizontal stretchers, while the tapered look matches the spindles to create the cohesive look of the design. The sheepskin upholstery makes sure that these chairs are very comfortable and cosy, in a true Scandinavian manner. Arnt Lande worked for the furniture manufacturer Møller & Stokke from 1941 to 1943, and like many Norwegian designers, such as Fredrik A. Kayser, Torbjørn Afdal and Torbjørn Bekken, was on a roll in the 1940s. The focus on furniture design unfortunately shifted from the 1950s in Norway, but in the halcyon days of the 40s outstanding and unmistakeable designs, such as these chairs were produced. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have 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: 25 in W x 27.95 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 15.55 in 63.5 cm W x 71 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 39.5 cm About the designer: Arnt Lande is known as Stokke's “Unknown star designer”. Arnt Lande (1920-2005) was a Norwegian furniture designer and interior designer. He was employed by the furniture manufacturer Stokke for 40 years and thus left a clear mark on the company's production. Lande worked for Møller & Stokke in the period 1941 to 1943. From 1943 to 1947, he studied at the Wood Department at the State School of Crafts and Art Industry under architect Arne Korsmo. After his studies, Lande established his own factory in Lyngdal in 1947, but the following year, he got a job as a designer at Møller & Stokke. His first chair for the company was probably Haakon (1948), and two years later he came up with the salon furniture Kari. Lande eventually designed stuffed models, which were the company's speciality. Arnt Lande was soon given responsibility for most of the model development at Møller & Stokke, which from 1956 changed its name to Stokke Fabrikker...

Though their country has a long tradition of craftsmanship, for numerous reasons mid-century Norwegian designers never gained the same international renown as their peers in neighbouring nations. But as these gorgeous chairs show, when modernism reached the country, exceptional pieces were created. Designers in the post-war period focused on simple, well-made pieces of homegrown woods such as walnut and pine. The pine frames of this pair are outstanding, both in visual and technical terms. The sculptural spindles are arranged symmetrically on all sides, forming the lower half of the backrest as well. They also give the chairs and airy, light look despite being made of solid wood. The armrests have beautiful curvature and follow the lines of the seat cushion, as they are both raised gently towards the front. The seats under the cushion showcase the impeccable dovetail joinery both in the front and in the back. The legs have two horizontal stretchers, while the tapered look matches the spindles to create the cohesive look of the design. The sheepskin upholstery makes sure that these chairs are very comfortable and cosy, in a true Scandinavian manner. Arnt Lande worked for the furniture manufacturer Møller & Stokke from 1941 to 1943, and like many Norwegian designers, such as Fredrik A. Kayser, Torbjørn Afdal and Torbjørn Bekken, was on a roll in the 1940s. The focus on furniture design unfortunately shifted from the 1950s in Norway, but in the halcyon days of the 40s outstanding and unmistakeable designs, such as these chairs were produced. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. Dimensions: 25 in W x 27.95 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 15.55 in 63.5 cm W x 71 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 39.5 cm About the designer: Arnt Lande is known as Stokke's “Unknown star designer”. Arnt Lande (1920-2005) was a Norwegian furniture designer and interior designer. He was employed by the furniture manufacturer Stokke for 40 years and thus left a clear mark on the company's production. Lande worked for Møller & Stokke in the period 1941 to 1943. From 1943 to 1947, he studied at the Wood Department at the State School of Crafts and Art Industry under architect Arne Korsmo. After his studies, Lande established his own factory in Lyngdal in 1947, but the following year, he got a job as a designer at Møller & Stokke. His first chair for the company was probably Haakon (1948), and two years later he came up with the salon furniture Kari. Lande eventually designed stuffed models, which were the company's speciality. Arnt Lande was soon given responsibility for most of the model development at Møller & Stokke, which from 1956 changed its name to Stokke Fabrikker...

Great and rare example of this iconic "Clam Chair" by Philip Arctander from the 1940-50s. It has recently been upholstered in an off-white Scandinavian sheepskin and restored by our ...

Beautiful midcentury pair of Norwegian manufactured easy chairs by Møller & Stokke furniture in the 1940s. The chairs have legs of elm tree and new upholstery of beige Hallingdal woo...

Philip arctander chair, Norway/Denmark, circa 1940s Beech H: 32 D: 32 W: 23 in.      

*Saturday Sale priced until Saturday the 21st only! An exceptional organic pair of Arctander Clam chairs in a natural curly sheepskin with leather buttons. As beautiful as they are inviting, these chairs work well as a pair or as a single statement piece. PLEASE NOTE: The second image is shot with natural light. They look more like this...

Stunning " Clam Chair" designed in 1944 by Philipp Arctander with original Shearling upholstery and curved Oak arms and legs. Executed in the late 1940's.