Mats Theselius armchair

This armchair is the Aluminium Armchair, designed by Mats Theselius in 1990 and produced by Källemo AB in Värnamo, Sweden. It belongs to the first series of the model, which was originally produced in a limited edition of 200 numbered copies. Of these, numbers 1–50 were executed in a special version with braided birch bark upholstery, while the remainder were produced in leather. This example is numbered 18–50/200 and carries the original maker’s badge with the inscription “ALUMINIUM ARMCHAIR No: 18–50/200 MATS THESELIUS 1990 KÄLLEMO AB”

The chair features an aluminium-clad wooden frame, riveted with exposed screws that emphasize its industrial construction. It stands on four cast metal legs with an engineered, almost utilitarian aesthetic. The seat and backrest are upholstered in braided birch bark, woven in a diagonal pattern, which gives the surface a rich tonal variation and a warm, tactile quality. The upper edges are framed with solid beech armrests, softening the transition between the cold aluminium exterior and the natural interior.

Mats Theselius (b. 1956) is widely regarded as one of Sweden’s most innovative designers of the late 20th century. His works often balance conceptual art and functional furniture, exploring contrasts between materials, craft traditions, and industrial design. The Aluminium Armchair is among his most recognized creations and illustrates his characteristic combination of refined industrial design with handcraft and natural materials. Produced by Källemo, a manufacturer known for championing experimental and collectible design, the chair reflects the company’s ethos of creating works that “resist the temporary.”

This chair is in good condition with visible signs of wear and patina. The aluminium surface shows marks and oxidation that emphasize its industrial character, while the birch bark upholstery displays some areas of age-related damage, consistent with use and the organic nature of the material. These qualities contribute to the unique authenticity of the piece.