Gilbert Marklund stools

This pair of stools was designed by Gilbert Marklund and produced by Furusnickarn AB in Lövånger, Sweden, in 1969. The stools are made entirely from solid pine, showcasing Marklund’s interest in geometric expression and the natural qualities of wood. The design reflects the organic-modern style characteristic of late Scandinavian mid-century furniture, combining bold form with craftsmanship rooted in regional tradition.

The stools feature two thick, slab-like side panels that support deeply carved seat boards. Each seat is ergonomically shaped with a concave surface and a central ridge, visually dividing the seating area while recalling rustic woodworking techniques common in Nordic vernacular furniture. A cross-support underneath enhances structural stability and reinforces the overall sculptural form.

The pine has developed a rich golden-brown patina typical of aged Scandinavian softwood. The grain is prominently visible across all surfaces, adding tactile and visual depth. The stools retain a matte finish, which preserves their authentic, minimally treated appearance and highlights the natural materiality of the wood.

In terms of condition, the stools are very good with minor signs of wear consistent with their age, including small marks mostly found on the lower legs and seat edges. There are no visible structural issues, and the wood remains solid and dry with a naturally aged surface.

Gilbert Marklund was a Swedish designer and architect known for his wooden furniture designs, often working with pine to evoke regional craft traditions. His collaboration with Furusnickarn AB, a workshop based in northern Sweden, produced several distinctive pieces during the 1960s and 1970s. Marklund’s work is noted for combining geometric modernist forms with the warmth and solidity inherent to Nordic materials and techniques.

Stylistically, the stools belong to the late phase of Scandinavian modernism, showing hints of brutalist influence in their monolithic shapes. However, the rounded carving and warm wood tones maintain an organic softness, bridging modernism and tradition.

The stools measure 46 cm in width, 27.5 cm in depth, and 48 cm in height, with a seat height of 37 cm (18.1 inches wide, 10.8 inches deep, 18.9 inches high, and 14.6 inches seat height).