Mid-century furniture by Yngve Ekstrom (Sweden)

Yngve Ekstrom (1913-1988) was a Swedish furniture designer, wood carver, sculptor, and architect. He was an important figure in the evolution of the Scandinavian Modernism movement. Ekstrom is best known for his minimalist and ergonomic designs, which are often made from natural materials such as wood and leather. His most famous piece is the Lamino armchair, which he designed in 1956 and remains in production today.

Ekstrom was born in Hagafors, Sweden, the son of a furniture factory worker. He began working in a sawmill at the age of 13, but also studied drawing, painting, music, and art history. In 1945, he co-founded the furniture manufacturer ESE-mobler (later renamed Swedese) with his brother Jerker and business partner Sven Bertil Sjoqvist. Ekstrom worked at Swedese for over 40 years until his death in 1988.

Ekstrom's designs are characterized by their simplicity, functionality, and comfort. He was influenced more... by the work of other Scandinavian Modernist designers such as Bruno Mathsson and Alvar Aalto, but he developed his own unique style. Ekstrom's furniture is often made from bent plywood, which allows for strong and lightweight designs. He also used traditional materials such as leather and fabric to create pieces that are both stylish and comfortable.

In addition to the Lamino armchair, Ekstrom designed a wide range of other furniture, including chairs, tables, sofas, and storage units. His work is known for its high quality and craftsmanship. Ekstrom's furniture has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, and he has received numerous awards for his designs. less...