Brutalist Solid Wood Dining Chair Set by Olavi Hänninen, Finland 1950s

As a descendant of the modernist movement of the late 19th and the first half of the 20th century. Brutalism favoured celebrating the imperfect appeal of handmade items. These chairs by Olavi Hänninen have a free-form design that make each stained elm wood chair of this set unique.

With a robust organic form and an earth-toned palette, this set of dining chairs is the embodiment of Brutalism. The chairs have a startling rawness, but with their warm-toned and slightly asymmetrical bodies, they are greatly-balanced pieces. Sensitive touches enliven the brutalist design, visible in the careful craftsmanship. Despite the brutalist characteristics, the chairs still appear sleek and streamlined which is the result of the thin, T-shaped backrests and the slightly tapered legs. The wood’s stunning pattern and colour variety is most visible on the seats and make each chair unique. Through its eccentric geometries and expressive forms, - brutalist furniture design’s best qualities - this set of eight is the perfect piece for a contemporary interior. The Finnish designer and interior architect, Olavi Hänninen, had an exceptional range when it came to design; he designed everything from furniture to trams, public facilities to church decorations. His designs range from rustic pieces to ones with a Space Age aesthetic. In 1957 Hänninen’s diversity earned him the gold medal at the 11th Milan Triennale.

In furniture and décor, the Brutalist movement was somber, giving importance to eerie organic and rugged shapes in dark, earthy tones. In the 21st century, unlike in architecture, brutalist furniture design has been making a comeback, making 20th century pieces like these eight chairs a rare and valuable pieces of the movement.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood.

Dimensions:
15.94 in W x 19.29 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 17.51 in
40.5 cm W x 49 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 44.5 cm

About the designer:
Olavi Tapio Hänninen (14 December 1920, in Lapinlahti – 16 June 1992 in Espoo) was a Finnish designer and interior architect.

Olavi Hänninen's design projects ranged from furniture to trams and church silverware, including total interior designs for many public facilities. His modernist designs also included tables and chairs, and he was well recognized for his work on the Palace Hotel interiors together with Antti Nurmesniemi and Olli Borg. Hänninen designed a renowned plastic chair with metal structure for the hotel's café. In the 1970s his designs included the new Valmet Nr 1 trams for Helsinki City Transport.

Before starting his own design office in 1961, Hänninen worked at architect Viljo Revell's offices in the early 1950s, where one of his tasks was to design selected interiors for the Palace Hotel building completed in 1952.

In 1957, Hänninen received a gold medal at the 11th Milan Triennale for his design of a dwelling exhibition in the Finnish Pavilion. In 1977, he received the State of Finland Award for Industrial Design. He was also an honorary member of the Finnish Association of Interior Architects. A book on Hänninen's life work, Muovituolista raitiovaunuun, consisting of articles written by six Finnish experts on arts and design, was published in 2006.

Shipping:
These dining chairs will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the items in the gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.