Axel Einar Hjorth armchairs
This very rare pair of Lovö armchairs, designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in 1932, represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Swedish design during the early 20th century. As part of Hjorth’s celebrated Sportstugemöbler (Cabin Furniture) series, these chairs were conceived specifically for leisure and summer homes, combining vernacular forms with the emerging aesthetics of modernism.
Constructed in acid-stained and oiled pine, the chairs display a bold and rustic character softened by refined detailing. The pine has aged beautifully, acquiring a rich, honeyed patina that enhances the grain and gives the surface a warm, organic depth. The robust timber components are joined with exposed, well-crafted transitions that reflect both structural integrity and a design ethos rooted in honesty of materials.
The backrests curve gently in a continuous arc, supported by expressive wrought iron fittings—an uncommon material pairing in early modern Scandinavian furniture. These iron elements are both functional and decorative, introducing a raw industrial accent that contrasts the softness of the wood. The design is direct, geometric, and physically grounded, yet it retains a sculptural quality that elevates it beyond mere rustic furniture.
Axel Einar Hjorth (1888–1959), one of Sweden’s most influential designers of the interwar period, was known for his ability to blend historical reference, artisanal tradition, and avant-garde innovation. As chief designer at Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) from 1927 to 1938, he played a critical role in shaping Swedish modernism, producing furniture that was at once forward-looking and deeply rooted in Swedish cultural identity. The Sportstugemöbler series, including Lovö, marked a departure from the ornamental classicism of earlier styles, embracing simplicity, material expressiveness, and functionality.
In excellent structural condition, the chairs retain their original form and character. The pine surfaces show natural wear and coloration consistent with nearly a century of use, while the wrought iron fittings exhibit a subtle patina that complements the wood’s tonality. These traces of age enhance the chairs’ authenticity and underscore their historical significance.
As highly sought-after works by Axel Einar Hjorth, the Lovö armchairs not only represent an iconic design from a critical period in Scandinavian furniture history, but also embody the rare convergence of craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural specificity. Their enduring relevance and visual strength make them remarkable collector’s pieces within the canon of 20th-century design.
