Aspiring Spirit

Scandinavian design was a very big part of the 20th century home furnishings industry, and some names truly stand out. Among these are Bruno Mathsson, Hans Wegner, Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen but one of the most memorable is Yngve Ekström, born in Hagafors, Smaland, Sweden in 1913.

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.

Along with his brother Jerker he founded Swedese in 1945, which is one of the most highly respected producers of modern furniture today. He was active in the company for more than forty years, all the way up until his passing. Swedese products included elegant artistic pieces for use in the home, but the designs also became quite popular for use in upscale offices and businesses due to their clean, utilitarian construction.

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.

This chair is as esthetically appealing from the front as from the side view. An ottoman that matches is frequently purchased together with the chair. There are many different types of wood that can be used to make the frame. Also, the upholstery can be anything the consumer wishes, no matter how unusual. The Lamino chair has been popular for many years due to its simplicity of design and versatile applications. It is not uncommon to pay two to three thousand dollars for new versions of this chair. Chairs that were made earlier have been much more expensive than the newer styles.

In 1988, when Yngve Ekström passed away, he was still designing and running his company. His legend was enhanced by his ability to produce creative innovations. His designs fit in with a multitude of styles and are staples in decorating (inredning). They look gorgeous with hardwood floors. His designs were considered innovative when they were first designed, but they are now known as furniture design classics.

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.

- Richard Guilfoyle