Arne Norell 'Merkur' Sofa in Cognac Leather

About the Item

Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB, sofa model 'Merkur', leather, mahogany, Sweden, 1960s This high-quality sofa called ‘Merkur’ is designed by the talented Swedish designer Arne Norell (1917-1971). Characteristic for this model is the notable space between the backrest and seat that is further expressed by lacking an extra row of tufted buttons. The solid and bulky appearance of the sofa is further enhanced by short wooden legs in mahogany. The corpus is upholstered in cognac leather that developed visible patina over the years. The sofa does not only look eccentric, but is undoubtedly comfortable to sit in. Please note that this item is in good, used condition. The leather is in good shape and shows age appropriate patina. The mahogany used for this piece does not require an export license.

Creator:

Arne Norell (Designer),Norell Möbel AB (Manufacturer)

Dimensions:

Height: 28.75 in (73 cm)Width: 78.75 in (200 cm)Depth: 34.65 in (88 cm)Seat Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)

Style:

Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Leather,Mahogany

Place of Origin:

Sweden

Period:

1960-1969

Date of Manufacture:

1960s

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Every item Morentz offers is checked by our team of 30 craftspeople in our in-house workshop. Special restoration or reupholstery requests can be done. Check ‘About the item’ or ask our design specialists for detailed information on the condition.

Seller Location:

Waalwijk, NL

Reference Number:

Seller: 501151851stDibs: LU933137969022

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Shop All Arne Norell

Arne Norell

Arne Norell’s enduring designs mixed leather and metal as well as turned wood and bentwood in pieces that allowed the natural beauty of these materials to shine. Simple and casual yet sophisticated, his vintage sofas, lounge chairs and other furniture epitomize the Scandinavian modern style that took post–World War II design by storm.

Although he created versatile furnishings that promoted comfort along with style, Norell is lesser known than many other mid-century designers, with some of his work produced only after his death. Born in Åsele, Sweden, Norell opened a furniture workshop in Solna, just north of Stockholm, in 1954. In 1958, he established Møbel AB Arne Norell on a farm in Småland. (This region is also the birthplace of IKEA, which opened its first store that same year.) The beauty and tranquility of this location were a source of inspiration.

In Småland, Norell created his most well-known designs, among them the Inca armchair with visible wooden dowels and plush leather, the Indra and Ilona sofas and the spare but elegant wood-framed Sirocco chair (1964). For many of his designs, Norell looked to the same military-style campaign furniture that had, decades prior, inspired the revered Safari chair (1933) crafted by Kaare Klint, a legendary Danish designer and Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts professor who taught the likes of Hans Wegner, Ole Wanscher and others.

Like these earlier furniture designers, Norell was committed to making comfortable and practical furniture. Using leather and warm woods as the building blocks of his work, he eschewed glue and screws, instead securing his designs with buckles and leather straps. In 1973, Norell earned posthumous recognition from the British Furniture Manufacturers Association for his sumptuous Ari chair, a luxurious lounge set on a chrome-plated steel frame with foam cushions covered in leather.

During his lifetime, Norell’s work was popular among European interior designers. However, it became more widely known after 1971, when many of his designs were finally put into production. Norell’s furnishings, as well as work by his daughter Marie Norell-Möller and other Swedish designers, are still crafted by hand in the Aneby, Sweden, factory operated by Norell Furniture, which has remained a family-run company.

Find a collection of authentic vintage Arne Norell furniture today on 1stDibs.