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Rare "Eared" Lounge Chair by Bengt Ruda for Artifort, The Netherlands, 1960s

About the Item

This cosy midcentury lounge chair by Bengt Ruda is an exceptional find, as this “eared” version is one of the designer’s rarest designs. The combination of the Swedish designer’s IDEA and the Dutch manufactory’s execution makes this model an iconic piece of 1960s seating. Mid-Century Modern is a term that accommodates both the functional craftsmanship of the golden age of the movement, as well as the present-day appreciation of cosy, individual design. While without a doubt a difficult task, this lounge chair model manages to encapsulate both ideals. From the welcoming, open frame with the playful ear flaps to the cosy upholstery, Ruda’s design expresses a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment. The distinctive shape is composed of curved shell seat with a great ergonomic design that supports the human body. The armrests are aligned with the “ears” and similarly curved outwards. This results in a dynamic, flowing look that is further enhanced by the upholstery. The soft velour highlights the cosy shapes and forms and allows the wooden lower structure to stand out against it. This is most apparent from the sides and the back, where the wooden legs tightly grip the fabric. The dark wood is an elegant pairing with the fully upholstered body, while the side stretchers and tapered construction assures structural firmness. Like Bengt Ruda, Artifort had a clear emphasis on functionality, comfort, and quality combined with aesthetically pleasing design and an innovative use of materials. Derived from the Latin word ‘ars’ meaning art or knowledge, and ‘fortis’ meaning strong or powerful, the word ‘comfort’ is also reflected in the brand’s name. Artifort has been known for their “indestructible technique” applied to chair stringing, ensuring great quality and comfort. From how the frame engages with the body in a visually interesting way, without any visible joinery, to the playful ear flaps, this lounge chair is a piece of design history. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been recently reupholstered 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: 29.52 in W x 35.43 in D x 39.37 in H; Seat height 16.53 in 75 cm W x 90 cm D x 100 cm H; Seat height 42 cm About the designer: Bengt Ruda (1918-1999) was a Swedish architect and furniture designer. He worked for Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) during the early 1950s and gained a name for himself thanks to his innovative modern furniture designs. In 1956, he was approached by none other than Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad, and accepted a position with the up-and-coming new company. The Swedish designer was the first properly qualified designer to join the company. Ruda was highly influenced by Italian designers, which is demonstrated by one of his first designs for Ikea. His easy chair, by the name “Cavelli” was designed in 1959 and was presented in the Ikea catalogues that year as a "modern aristocrat." Nowadays, it might be surprising to many that these early Ikea designs are valuable collectables. Bengt Ruda remains well-known for his various chair designs for the manufacturing companies Nordiska Kompaniet and the Dutch Artifort. ~H.

Creator:

Artifort (Manufacturer),Bengt Ruda (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 29.53 in (75 cm)Depth: 35.44 in (90 cm)Seat Height: 16.54 in (42 cm)

Style:

Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Fabric,Wood

Place of Origin:

Netherlands

Period:

1960-1969

Date of Manufacture:

1960s

Condition:

Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been recently reupholstered 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.

Seller Location:

Utrecht, NL

Reference Number:

Seller: 888801251stDibs: LU2947333542282

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Artifort

The sterling reputation that Artifort enjoys isn’t limited to the innovative upholstery and fluid, organic shapes for which its products are widely known — the legendary Dutch brand’s vintage seating and other furniture is also celebrated for its embodiment of functionality, comfort and quality. These are among the principles that underpin the philosophy toward modern furniture design at Artifort, which has been at the crossroads of furniture and art for over 125 years.

Prior to 1928, the year Artifort officially became a brand, Jules Wagemans had a small upholstery business in Maastricht, the Netherlands. After setting up in 1890, his son, Henricus Wagemans, broadened the scope of the company to include furniture production. By the end of the 1920s, their showroom in Amsterdam had made them a recognizable brand across the Netherlands.

Then named H. Wagemans & Van Tuien, the company changed its name to Artifort after the economic recession. Artifort came from two Latin words meaning “art” and “strong” — a perfect description for the style of each design and the manufacturer’s intention to create sturdy furnishings. Artifort’s reputation for durable armchairs and sofas endures, and vintage editions of this seating are now family heirlooms in many homes.

Artifort became a magnet for high-profile and up-and-coming designers alike. Many furniture designers’ careers began thanks to collaborations with Artifort, such as Dutch industrial and jewelry designer Gijs Bakker and Indonesian-born designer Kho Liang Ie. Also known for designing the interiors at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Kho Liang Ie was an aesthetic consultant at Artifort and used his expertise to turn the company into a world-class brand. Perhaps his largest contribution, however, was attracting the talents of French furniture and interior designer Pierre Paulin and English furniture designer Geoffrey D. Harcourt.

Paulin’s bright and colorful lounge chairs, such as his Orange Slice chair and Mushroom chair, are still central to the Artifort identity. The revered designer not only introduced new construction techniques to Artifort furniture, but contributed fresh materials, Pop art colors and dazzling shapes to the mid-century modern era as a whole, while Harcourt deserves credit for popularizing Artifort internationally and extending their reach into foreign markets.

Another talent boom in the 1990s at Artifort yielded collaborations with Jasper Morrison, Wolfgang Mezger and René Holten. Iranian designer Khodi Feiz was named art director in 2014 and has continued the tradition of recruiting top designers such as Claesson Koivisto Rune, Ilse Crawford and Luca Nichetto.

Find a collection of vintage Artifort lounge chairs, tables and more on 1stDibs.