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Mid-Century “Gamla Berlin” Easy Chair by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1940s

Creator: Carl Malmsten
Offered by: H. Gallery

Description
This “Old Berlin” chair is among Swedish icon, Carl Malmsten’s rarer models. The dark wood, the beautiful upholstery, and Malmsten’s timeless design makes this model a beautiful representation of Sweden’s mid-century design history.

This model, like many of Malmsten’s “count chairs”, it is a simplified version of the armchair “Jonas Love”, which Carl Malmsten designed for the New York World Fair in 1939. “Break all edges thoroughly”, was a frequent instruction on Carl Malmsten’s drawings and nature was his great source of inspiration, therefore sharp edges or corners can rarely be found on his designs, including this easy chair. With a tremendous sense of proportion, this chair is very comfortable and fulfil its task to “serve well” and last for lifetimes. This Gamla, or Old Berlin chair stands out for the way in which the upholstered seat leaves the back legs exposed, without any visible joinery. The wooden tapered legs further transcend into the back, holding the back in an elegant, light manner. The backseat has an interesting lightly scalloped top and long horizontal button tufting. The light bouclé upholstery gives an elegant look with its textured look and a cosy sitting experience thanks to its softness.

In 1937, Carl Malmsten designed a sofa for the Swedish diplomatic mission in Berlin. He named the sofa Berlin. Perhaps the idea of this easy chair came from the same mission. Up until the post-war era, his designs had been made at the school he started in 1930 and at a number of joinery workshops suited to artisanal production. He established contact with a group of high-quality small industries, the so-called Key Workshops. This chair, however, took form in one of his own Swedish workshops in the second half of the 1940s.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium 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:
24.4 in W x 29.33 in D x 31.1 in H; Seat height 17.71 in
62 cm W x 74.5 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 45 cm

Shipping:
This lounge chair will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item 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.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Origin:	Sweden
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Sheepskin, Wood
Condition:	Good. In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.
Creation Date:	1940s
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
Dealer Reference #:	20221174
Incollect Reference #:	582794

Dimensions

W.	24.41 in;	H.	31.1 in;	D.	29.33 in;
W.	62 cm;	H.	79 cm;	D.	74.5 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