Yngve Ekström - A Study In Furniture Design
Scandinavian designs made up a large part of the whole industry of home furnishings in the 20th century, and there are several stand out designers that contributed to this. Some of these names are Bruno Mathsson, Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobson, and Alvar Aalto. One of the most prominent, though, is the memorable Yngve Ekström, who was born in 1913 in the city of Hagafors, Sweden.
Since Hagafors is the city in Sweden with the oldest presence in the furniture business, it was no surprise that a young Yngve Ekström would be drawn to what was so popular and pervasive in his environment. Like many of the Scandinavian designers, he did not only study wood crafting, but also learned from academic study of art history as well as painting, drawing and sculpture. Many of the style elements in his work are obviously related to those studies.
Together with his brother Jerker, he founded a globally recognized furniture company named Swedese. From its inception in 1945, he continued to work at the company until he passed away some four decades later. Swedes produces furnishings that are well suited for both the home and office due to their fine blend of simplicity and artistic flair.
One of the most famous pieces of Ekström's was the Lamino fåtölj which was first produced in the 1950's. It is still in production and remains popular today. Named the best Swedish chair of the Twentieth Century by a Swedish magazine in 1999, it also received another important. as well as significant, award in 2003. This was the Design Innovation, by the I.M.M. in Cologne in 2003.
Sometimes sold with a matching ottoman, this chair has very attractive curves when seen from the side or front. Made in a variety of wood framework, the upholstery can also be picked from a myriad of desires and tastes. From woven cloth, all the way to sheepskin. Selling in the two to three thousand dollar range on new models, sometimes more on the older models, the simple elegant looks and durability have long contributed to the chairs popularity.
Yngve Ekström not only continued to design until his death in 1988, he also continued to be at the helm of his company. This ability to manage and produce new innovations only added to his legend. His chairs add to many styles of decor and look exceptionally good with hardwood floors. While his designs were often breakthroughs when created, most have become true classics.
About the Author: Yngve Ekström was a Scandinavian furniture designer, born in Hagafors, Smaland, Sweden in 1913. He studied wood crafting and design along with courses in art history, drawing, and sculpture. He and his brother (Jerker) created Swedese in 1945. The company has become one of the most respected producers of modern furniture (möbler) and decor in the world. The Lamino Chair, which is probably his best known piece, was originally created in the 1950's. This chair is still being made today and is a much sought after piece. The talented designer remained active not only in design, but also in leading his company, until his death in 1988. Go to http://www.contentspooling.net/public.php?id=164&a=2664 to obtain a copy of this article for publishing on your own website.
More articles by sdr2887
Print Article | Download PDF | 49 views | Jan 17 2008
|
|
