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“Laila” Armchairs in Sheepskin by Ilmari Lappalainen for Asko, Finland 1950s

Creator: Ilmari Lappalainen
Offered by: H. Gallery

Description
The “Laila” model by the Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection. This model is without a doubt, the designer’s most celebrated seating model thanks to its classic, yet distinctive shape and upholstered body.

This pair of “nr. 238” armchairs are from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushion and back with tufted buttons. The bodies have the classic Nordic look, which explains the contemporary popularity of these armchairs both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the textured, premium upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well. Sheepskin is the ultimate material for comfort, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It elevates the sheer size and shape of the chair, especially its back.

Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930 the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time include Ilmari Lappalainen’s Laila series.

Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The pair has been reupholstered recently in honey coloured sheepskin. 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:
83 cm W x 83 cm D x 82 cm H x 45 cm SH

Literature:
Riitta Miestamo "The Form and Substance of Finnish Furniture", Askon Säätiö, Esan Kirjapaino oy, Lahti 1981.p 65.

About the Designer:
Ilmari Lappalainen (1918 - 2006) was a great Finnish designer whose most active working years were from the end of the 1940s until the end of the 1970s.

Lappalainen first graduated as a teacher of woodworking in 1939, followed by a degree in interior design in 1947. By the end of the school of interior design, he was already working as an intern in Asko and after graduating he got a permanent design position at the company. Lappalainen worked as a teacher and as an interior designer for Asko's department stores, public spaces and hotels.

Lappalainen's most popular products / series are the Laila sofa set, the Seija rocking chair, the lazy castle Rex and the Pulkka armchair. Interestingly, the chairs from the Columna series were sold as health chairs for a long time, because they had such a good ergonomic design, that it prevented back problems. The chairs eventually received medical approval as well. ~H.

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

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Origin:	Finland
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Sheepskin - Wood
Condition:	Good. In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The pair has been reupholstered recently in honey coloured sheepskin.
Creation Date:	1950s
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Collectible Design, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
Dealer Reference #:	66660055
Incollect Reference #:	528156

Dimensions

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