Carl Malmsten "Ulla" Three-Seater Birch Sofa, Sweden 1950s
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Description
Carl Malmsten wanted to express a feeling or a characteristic with his designs. Thanks to its generous format and enveloping shapes, Carl Malmsten's upholstered pieces offer seating comfort beyond the ordinary.
Story has it that this rare sofa model was designed in 1938 for an exhibition in New York, possibly the World Fair. What we know for sure, is that this characteristic “Ulla“ three-seater sofa is a beautiful example of Malmsten’s artistic prowess. Endowed with creative simplicity, with a feeling for the wood itself, this sofa is equally representative of Swedish mid-century design and of Carl Malmsten’s signature style. The elegant birch frame stands out with its organic look comprised of straight and bent spindles that recall nature. Thanks to the airy arrangement of the spindles, the back cushion stands out even from the sides and back. Malmsten’s fine sense of proportion, line tension and balance between the surfaces, and how skilfully he carried in the heritage of traditional allmoge (folk art) design is evident in this sofa model. The light upholstery is beautifully framed by the sofa, highlighting the interesting texture of the wood and the fabric as well. The seat and back cushions are quite rotund; therefore, the sitting comfort is exceptional.
Carl Malmsten was born more than a hundred years ago, but his ideas are more topical than ever. As a furniture maker, the designer expressed the old, inherited forms as well as the new, bold ideas with his language of design. The result will forever be the same: beautiful, eternal, and individual pieces of furniture which create a unified and harmonious feeling ad this rare “Ulla” sofa is no exception.
Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium light fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
175cm W x 74cm D x 75cm H 45cm SH
Shipping:
This sofa will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item in the 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. -
More Information
Documentation: Documented elsewhere (similar item) Origin: Sweden Period: 1950-1979 Materials: Fabric - Wood Condition: Good. In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium light fabric. Creation Date: 1950s Styles / Movements: Collectible Design, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern Dealer Reference #: 20210938 Incollect Reference #: 529476 -
Dimensions
W. 68.9 in; H. 29.53 in; D. 29.13 in; W. 175 cm; H. 75 cm; D. 74 cm; Seat H. 17.72 in; Seat H. 45 cm;
Message from Seller:
Located in Utrecht, The Netherlands, H. Gallery specializes in modern and contemporary design with a strong focus on Brazil and Scandinavia. The gallery strives to preserve and promote especially Brazil's rich design heritage and curates a select group of contemporary artists. Meticulous research, ie getting in contact with the original designers, producers, their heirs, and retrieving and indexing old catalogues and magazines is at the heart of its activities. All works presented excel in great