Yngve Ekström - A Study In Furniture Design
The 20th century home furnishings industry was dominated by Scandinavian design. Notable furniture designers included Bruno Mathsson, Alvar Aalto, Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen. Yngve Ekström was a truly special Scandinavian designer and was born in the town of Hagafors in Smaland - a region of Sweden - in the year 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.
In 1945 he and his bother Jerker founded Swedese, one of the most respected makers of modern furnishings in the world. He remained active in the company until his death, a career of more than forty years. Products from Swedese included elegant artistic pieces for the home, but the clean profiles and utilitarian construction also made their wares popular in upscale offices and business applications.
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.
Looking at the chair from any angle provides views of its beautiful curves. A matching ottoman is often accompanies it. There are several options for wood for the frame and the upholstery. The chair can be designed to meet any taste or style. The versatility of the chairs and their simple lines and looks make even today's models sell for between two and three thousand dollars. Examples of earlier versions of the chair have sold for more.
At the head of his company until his death in 1988, Yngve Ekström continued to produce many legendary ideas. His style is very versatile and long lasting and ideas which were radical at first are now the main stays of good design, complimenting all kinds of decorating options and looking especially good with wooden floors.
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.
Published December 9th, 2007
