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Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Little Adam" Armchair, Sweden 1950s

Creator: Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist - Nordiska Kompaniet
Offered by: H. Gallery

Description
The “Little Adam” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden.

This armchair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist created the gentle, peculiar shape of this armchair that is only increasing in popularity even today. Thanks to her unique vision, this “Little Adam” has an unmistakeable backrest that flows down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low, therefore opening the seat, the chair still has the impression of hugging the sitter. The fully upholstered body elevates the visual comfort, with a stitch tufted backrest that is festooned with buttons arranged in a hill shape. This subtle form of decoration highlights the shape of the back by mirroring it, while also accentuating the light fabric by giving it extra depth. The stained and tapered wood legs pair perfectly with the organic form of the body. Contrasting the front legs, the back ones are lightly splayed to provide great structural stability.

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, this “Little Adam” armchair has become iconic. Thanks to the upholstery’s soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design, this armchair is a perfect example of the gentle mid-century modernism Swedish design of the era is beloved for.

Condition:
In good 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:
28.74 in W x 28.74 in D x 28.93 in H; Seat Height 15.74 in; Arm height 22.24 in
73 cm W x 73 cm D x 73.5 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Arm height 56.5 cm

About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.

She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.

"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle, and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in."

Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.

Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.

Shipping:
This armchair will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention 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:	1950-1979
Materials:	Fabric, Wood
Condition:	Good. In good 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.
Creation Date:	1950s
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
Dealer Reference #:	20221417
Incollect Reference #:	630180

Dimensions

W.	28.74 in;	H.	28.94 in;	D.	28.74 in;
W.	73 cm;	H.	73.5 cm;	D.	73 cm;

Seat H.	15.75 in;	Arm H.	22.24 in;
Seat H.	40 cm;	Arm H.	56.5 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