Carl Gustaf Hiort Af Ornäs "Mikki" Armchairs, Finland 1940s

The seating designs of the architect and designer, s, have been gradually more and more recognized world-wide, which resulted in the recent exhibition titled “Forgotten Ornäs”. His designs, including these armchairs, are defined by the homely curviness and quality that mid-century design is beloved for.

These chairs named "Mikki” were designed by Carl Gustaf Hiort Af Ornäs and produced by his own company, Puunveisto Oy in the mid 1940s. In the mid-century era, materials were used for their own distinct qualities; often a piece of furniture would combine only two materials or colours – creating tension and harmony without fuss or superfluous ornament and these Mikki armchairs are perfect examples of this sentiment. The duality of the materials creates a flowing, self-supporting, and enticingly functional design. The combination of solid wood and high-quality upholstery is traditional in mid-century design for a good reason; the two materials highlight each other's unique qualities. This pair falls into the category of the so-called biomorphic mid-century, that describes the furniture that relished in organic, curved, smooth surfaces. As such, the design is moulded into the shapes of natural occurrences, which was an accessible and lively mid-century contrast to the more austere machine aesthetic of the Bauhaus. This is most apparent in the armrests’ curvature and form with a beautifully sculpted shape dictating the rhythm of the whole design. Together with the curved shell seats’ welcoming shape and the fully upholstered bodies, these chairs have the characteristic charm of Hiort Af Ornäs’s design language. The tapered legs are more in service of functionality while showing off the natural beauty of the wood.

The craftsmanship of Hiort af Ornäs is very visible. The Finnish designer was very firm about two things regarding his chair designs: the sitting comfort and that the model must look good from every single angle. These Mikki armchairs fulfil these principles, showing off their stylish curves from all sides.

Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium 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:
25.59 in W x 31.1 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 16.53 in; Arm height 24.01 in
65 cm W x 79 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 42 cm; Arm height 61 cm

About the designer:
Carl-Gustaf Vilhelm (nicknamed “Nalle”) Hiort of Ornäs was born on 27 February 1911 and lived most of his life in Tapiola/Espoo in Finland and in his later life moved to Spain. He is remembered as a Finnish interior architect and designer known to be uncompromising.

Before the Finnish wars (1939-1944), Hiort af Ornäs spent his time in Pori, working at Björneborgs Mekaniska Verkstad. He studied at the Helsinki University of Technology to become an architect but never graduated. He did, however, become known as an interior designer, and eventually even more known as a furniture designer.

In 1945, Hiort af Ornäs founded the furniture company Puunveisto Oy, for which he developed versatile techniques for shaping plywood. He started the furniture manufacturing shop on Lauttasaari in Helsinki (Veneentekijäntie 14) together with his brother. The wood shop, showroom, and office were all located in the same building in Helsinki. Rolf Mesterton was the man in charge of producing the furniture, but there were several other carpenters at work in the woodshop.

Hiort af Ornäs spent his retirement in Spain, and designed numerous buildings for Fuengirola’s Los Pacos neighbourhood, which has a large Finnish population. His house that he drew and built in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland, ‘Villa Hiort’, still stands and houses some of the designer’s original drawings. It is a beautiful example of 1950s Modernism and the talent of Hiort af Ornäs that brought him recognition that lasts to this day. ~H.

Shipping;
These armchairs 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.