Axel Einar Hjorth chairs

This is a very rare pair of side chairs, model Lovö, designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden in 1932. The chairs are constructed from solid pine that has been acid-stained and oiled, enhancing the natural grain of the wood while giving it a deep, aged patina. The design features a straight-legged structure with a slightly curved backrest, which is attached to the frame using visible wrought iron fittings. The Lovö chairs are part of Hjorth’s series of furniture designed for Swedish leisure homes, blending elements of rustic craftsmanship with modernist influences. The construction is robust yet refined, with clean geometric lines softened by the organic texture of the wood. The use of exposed metal fastenings adds a functional, industrial quality to the otherwise handcrafted aesthetic.

Axel Einar Hjorth (1888–1959) was a Swedish architect and designer known for his innovative approach to furniture during the early 20th century. As the head designer for Nordiska Kompaniet, he was responsible for introducing modernist influences to Swedish furniture, creating pieces that combined traditional materials with avant-garde forms. His work from the 1930s, particularly his designs for remote vacation homes, is now highly sought after for its balance of rusticity and elegance.

Nordiska Kompaniet was Sweden’s leading luxury furniture manufacturer at the time, producing high-quality, limited-production pieces that embodied the ideals of Swedish modernism. Their collaborations with designers like Hjorth helped establish Scandinavian design as a global movement.

The dimensions of each chair are 47.5 cm in width, 49 cm in depth, and 95 cm in height, with a seat height of 40 cm (18.7 x 19.3 x 37.4 inches, seat height 15.7 inches). The chairs are in good vintage condition, with patina and wear consistent with age.