Carl Malmsten "Patron" Armchair with Footstool for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1950s

Carl Malmsten is one of Sweden's most famous furniture designers. Many of his furniture models are considered modern design classics, with a uniting aesthetic that could be defined as a certain “Malmstenesque” quality. In the mid-1950s, Carl Malmsten awarded ten small furniture companies, mainly in Småland, the honour of making a series of some of his products.

Like his models "Lilla Åland" and "Vardag", the “Patron” adopted the ideals of "beautiful everyday goods" of the 1940s. Its neat shape and frugal design quickly became timeless interior details that we still (or rather, once again) see in many homes today. During his career, Malmsten collaborated with several architects, such as Ragnar Östberg, Ivar Tengbom, and Ferdinand Boberg. He designed furniture for Stockholm's concert hall and Ulriksdal castle. He participated in the now iconic hosing exhibition at Liljevalchs gallery in 1917, where the term "Beautiful everyday goods" was coined. Interestingly, the furnishings of the Swedish Ulriksdal Palace were a wedding present from the people of Stockholm, and Carl Malmsten designed the furniture. This living room is one of the finest 20th century interiors in Sweden. This model has a lot to boast even besides its stylish footstool. It possesses the unmistakeable “Malmstenesque” characteristics, such as the homely curves, the cosy impression and exceptionally high level of cabinetmaking evident even if covered by the custom, premium upholstery. Like the light wool blend fabric, the footstool also greatly complements the overall impression, adding extra layers of functionality and comfort for both the eyes and the body. Malmsten wanted his furniture pieces to express a special feeling or mood with utmost comfort, that is exuded through the friendly and round shapes, femininity and cosiness. The chair’s frame is made of solid wood. As it can be expected from the “Master of Wood”, the frame is expertly designed, with ergonomic and aesthetic principles at its core. The body features the gentle curves that defined Malmsten’s later designs. This is especially visible in the outward curving armrests that descend from the top to create a welcoming look, and in the peculiarly shaped back. The back is decorated with tufted buttons that add extra depth to the sizeable structure. The chair is supported by tapered, solid wood legs that add an organic touch to the design. These elements are especially attractive from the profile of the chair, elevate even further by the textured upholstery. Like on the footstool, their warm brown colour contrast beautifully with the wool blend upholstery. This chair was made at O.H Sjögren’s famed workshop in Tranås, Sweden. One important thread running through Scandinavian design is functionalism, which is the most evident in the sturdy frame and the footstool, which elongates the chair’s seat even further visually. At the same time, the square shape also serves a purely aesthetic role by balancing the “Patron’s” round outline, enhanced by the same wool blend upholstery that also ties it together with the chair. The chairs is label-marked with Malmsten’s name on it.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair and footstool have been reupholstered recently in premium wool blend fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:
Chair
33.26 in W x 37 in D x 39.76 in H; Seat height 16.53 in; Arm height 21.85 in
84.5 cm W x 94 cm D x 101 cm H; Seat height 42 cm; Arm height 55.5 cm

Footstool
23.62 in W x 19.68 in D x 13.77 in H
60 cm W x 50 cm D x 35 cm H

Shipping:
This armchair and footstool will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the items in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU.