Bruno Mathsson lounge chair

This lounge chair model Pernilla 3, also known by its designation T-108, was designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Firma Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden, in 1972. The frame is constructed from laminated birch, featuring characteristic curved legs and armrests formed through bentwood techniques. These techniques provide both structural strength and elasticity. The chair’s undulating seat and backrest profile is ergonomically shaped to follow the natural contours of the human body, reflecting Mathsson’s commitment to functionalist and ergonomic design principles.

The chair is fitted with newly replaced webbing in a natural beige color, woven in a wide, flat pattern that spans the frame. A separate, loose headrest cushion upholstered in brown leather is attached to the upper backrest with leather straps. This detail adds both tactile and visual contrast, enhancing comfort while remaining true to the original design intent. The chair’s overall construction combines visual lightness with structural resilience, highlighting Mathsson’s focus on airiness, posture support, and craftsmanship.

Bruno Mathsson (1907–1988) was a seminal figure in Swedish modernism, renowned for his pioneering ergonomic seating and minimal furniture forms. The Pernilla series was developed through multiple iterations from the 1940s onward, with the Pernilla 3 regarded as one of the most refined. The model’s name is said to have been inspired by a Swedish journalist, Pernilla Tunberger, originating from a playful remark during product development.

Firma Karl Mathsson, founded by Bruno Mathsson’s father, was the primary workshop producing his designs. The company played a crucial role in mid-century Swedish design by combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative bentwood construction techniques that Bruno Mathsson championed.

This particular example is clearly marked with the producer’s stamp and dated 1972. It remains in excellent condition, featuring clean, restored webbing and only minor wear to the birch frame and leather consistent with its age. The dimensions are 63 cm wide, 170 cm deep, and 91 cm high, with a seat height of 35 cm, corresponding approximately to 24.8 inches wide, 66.9 inches deep, 35.8 inches high, and a seat height of 13.8 inches.