Alf Svensson easy chairs
This rare pair of adjustable easy chairs, model 4332, was designed by Alf Svensson in 1957 and produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark. The chairs feature stained beech frames paired with upholstery in a green wool-blend textile, typical of mid-century Scandinavian fabrics. The warm tone of the wood contrasts subtly with the cooler green fabric, resulting in a balanced and understated aesthetic.
Each chair is characterized by a high backrest that is gently reclined and slightly tapered toward the top, complemented by angled armrests and splayed legs. The chairs include an adjustable reclining mechanism allowing two seating positions. This functionality is enabled through a visible brass latch system mounted on the sides of the frame beneath the seat back, securely attached to the wooden substructure. The mechanism is both practical and discreet, reflecting the minimalist design values of the period.
The design embodies mid-century Scandinavian principles of ergonomic comfort, light visual weight, and craftsmanship. Alf Svensson (1929–1992) was a significant Swedish designer whose work from the 1950s and 1960s is noted for functional detailing and elegant restraint. Fritz Hansen, established in 1872, is a distinguished Danish manufacturer known for collaborating with leading designers including Arne Jacobsen and Hans J. Wegner.
Model 4332 is among Svensson’s rarer seating designs. Authenticity is confirmed by label markings beneath the seat frame identifying the producer and model number, as well as factory marks and handwritten labels associated with L. Chr. Larsen & Søn for Fritz Hansen.
Each chair measures 79 cm in width, 76 cm in depth, and 105 cm in height, with a seat height of 39 cm. In imperial measurements, this corresponds to approximately 31.1 inches wide, 29.9 inches deep, 41.3 inches high, and a seat height of 15.4 inches. The pair remains in good original condition, exhibiting light wear consistent with age and use, and retains the original upholstery and surface finish.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 79 / D: 76 / H: 105 / Seat H: 39 |
Producer | Fritz Hansen |
Color | Green |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Beech, Fabric, Wool |
Designed in | 1957 |
Item Number | 135610 |
Alf Svensson