Josef Frank dining chairs

This very rare dining suite, consisting of eight chairs and two armchairs, model 970, was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1940s. The set is executed in mahogany with upholstered seats in black leather, secured by brass rivets along the edges. The design reflects Josef Frank’s refined approach to functional furniture, combining elegant simplicity with a sense of lightness and balance. The tall, slender spindled backs are slightly curved, providing both structural clarity and comfort, while the tapered legs emphasize verticality and restraint. The armchairs share the same construction but are distinguished by slender, rounded armrests that extend the composition.

The material choice of mahogany with its warm reddish-brown tone, combined with black leather upholstery, highlights the luxurious yet understated Scandinavian aesthetic of the period. The brass rivets add a discrete decorative detail, contrasting subtly with the dark leather and the polished wood frame. The leather on the armchairs has been renewed, while the side chairs preserve their original patinated coverings, displaying a natural wear consistent with age. Overall, the set remains in good vintage condition, with signs of usage and patina that underscore its history and authenticity.

Josef Frank (1885–1967), originally from Austria, became one of Sweden’s most influential designers after joining Svenskt Tenn in 1934. His work is recognized for its humanistic modernism, where functional clarity is enriched by warmth, comfort, and a sensitivity to materials. While he is often most closely associated with vibrant textiles and organic forms, his furniture designs for Svenskt Tenn also reflect his commitment to high craftsmanship and modern living environments. Model 970 is among the more seldom-seen seating groups from his oeuvre, embodying his ability to balance structural honesty with refined elegance.

Svenskt Tenn, founded in 1924, played a central role in shaping Scandinavian modern interiors. Under Estrid Ericson’s leadership and with Josef Frank as chief designer, the company developed a distinct aesthetic that merged international modernism with Scandinavian traditions. This set belongs firmly within the Swedish mid-century movement, where materials such as mahogany and leather were employed with precision and restraint to create furniture that was both timeless and adaptable.

Dimensions for the side chairs: width 48 cm (18.9 inches), depth 59 cm (23.2 inches), height 91 cm (35.8 inches), seat height 44 cm (17.3 inches). Dimensions for the armchairs: width 55 cm (21.7 inches), depth 60 cm (23.6 inches), height 91.5 cm (36 inches), seat height 45 cm (17.7 inches).