Gunnar Eklöf

Gunnar Eklöf (1909–1963) was a Swedish interior architect and designer whose work encompassed furniture, interiors and lighting. He is particularly known for his contributions to institutional interiors and ergonomic furniture design, as well as lighting designs associated with Corona Belysningskultur during the 1940s.

Biography

Eklöf graduated from Konstfack in Stockholm in 1931 and subsequently specialized in interiors and furnishings. During the 1930s and 1940s, he worked on several important healthcare environments in Stockholm, including the Eastman Institute, Karolinska Hospital and Södersjukhuset. His work during this period also included furniture characterized by the restrained forms of Scandinavian modernism.

In the late 1940s, Eklöf began collaborating with the physician Bengt Åkerblom, whose research focused on sitting posture and ergonomics. Together they developed the Åkerblom chair concept, which introduced a lower seat and a shaped backrest intended to provide improved support for the lower spine. The concept was subsequently produced in numerous variations by Swedish manufacturers including NK Verkstäder, Nesto and Gärsnäs.

Alongside his furniture and interior work, Eklöf was involved in lighting design. A number of lamps from the 1940s are attributed to Gunnar and Ulla Eklöf and were produced by the Swedish manufacturer Corona Belysningskultur. These designs often combine opaline glass with delicate metal frameworks and stylized floral and botanical motifs, representing a more decorative aspect of his work.