Swedish Benches

This “Utö” bench is from the Swedish designer, Axel Einar Hjorth’s Sportstugemöble furniture line. This bench has a rather simple, yet well-thought out design. The frame is made of pine, mixing the aesthetics of rural, traditional handcraft with international modernism. Produced by AB Nordiska Kompaniet, this bench belongs to Hjorth's line of modernistic cabin furniture from the 1930's. The seat of the bench is thick and robust, with an oval shaped pine board, assuring sturdiness and stability. The symmetrically carved back with a gap in the middle offers comfort and functionality. The four tapered legs of the bench follow the shape of the backrests on both sides, accentuating the geometrical aspect, and highlighting the symmetry of this piece. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions: 54.92 in W x 18.7 in D x 31.3 in H ; Seat height 15.55 in 139.5 cm W x 47.5 cm D x 79.5 cm H; Seat height 39.5 cm Literature: Christian Björk, Thomas Ekström...

Sofa ‘Utö’ designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s. Stained pine. Provenance: From a private Swedish collection. Original cushion. From 1927 to 1938, Axel-Einar Hjorth was the chief architect and designer at the department store Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm—which was known as one of the most important producers of modernist furniture in Sweden. During this time, Hjorth designed both public and private interiors, and worked with international clients including Iranian royalty. His first project for NK was a stand for the World Fair in Barcelona in 1929, during which he exhibited the Louis Cabinet...