Folke Bensow stool

This rare “Taburett nr 1” stool was designed by Folke Bensow and produced by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden in 1925. Crafted entirely from cast iron, it is a distinguished example of the Swedish Grace movement—a Nordic variant of Art Deco that combines neoclassical formality with modernist simplification.

The design features a rectangular seat composed of a pierced lattice pattern that gently curves to provide ergonomic comfort. The sides are framed by upright panels ending in volute-like scrolls, reminiscent of classical Roman curule stools. Decorative elements include stylized low-relief motifs on the side panels and a central stretcher bar with turned ornamentation, which not only adds structural stability but also enhances the piece’s ornamental unity.

Folke Bensow was a prominent figure in early 20th-century Swedish design and architecture. His collaboration with Näfveqvarns Bruk—the leading Swedish producer of artistic cast iron at the time—resulted in a series of furnishings and objects that fused architectural inspiration with practical design for both public and private use. The “Taburett nr 1” was conceived as a durable yet elegant piece suitable for indoor or outdoor settings, often placed in institutional or civic environments.

Näfveqvarns Bruk, active since the 17th century, played a pivotal role in elevating cast iron beyond industrial applications to a material valued for aesthetic and functional furniture design. Their partnerships with artists and architects during the 1920s helped define the Swedish Grace style’s character.

The stool has developed a natural patina consistent with its age and iron material. Its dimensions are 60.5 centimeters (23.8 inches) in width, 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) in depth, and 48.5 centimeters (19.1 inches) in height, with a seat height of 43.5 centimeters (17.1 inches). This piece remains a remarkable representation of early 20th-century Nordic design blending durability, elegance, and historical reference.