Arne Norell ‘Sirocco’ Chair, 1960s

This Arne Norell ‘Sirocco’ Chair is crafted from cognac-dyed bovine leather and a rosewood frame. The leather is attached to the structure with straps and belts, contributing to the piece’s hunting aesthetic, hence the name given by the public. Arne Norell, within his recognizable style, is framed within mid-century modern Scandinavian design, known for its simplicity, functionality, and use of natural materials. During this period, clean lines, organic shapes, and a minimalist aesthetic were emphasized, reflecting a deep connection with nature and a focus on quality. Designers aimed to create pieces that combined beauty and functionality, embodying timeless elegance.

Rosewood, known for its rich, dark tones and striking grain patterns, was a popular choice in mid-20th-century furniture. It is a hard and durable wood that provides excellent longevity. The use of rosewood was common in high-end furniture pieces, and today its production is very limited, requiring special permits for export. This chair comes with all necessary permits and certificates.

The leather used in furniture like the Sirocco armchair is often chosen for its ability to develop a unique patina over time, contributing to the overall aesthetic and functionality of the piece, ensuring both comfort and durability.

Condition:

There is a small restoration on the leather on the top right of the backrest; otherwise, it is in very good vintage condition. This chair has been carefully restored but may show signs of use and aging.

Dimensions:

Width: 25.98 inches Height: 28.35 inches Depth: 25.98 inches

About the designer:

Arne Norell was a Swedish designer and founder of the eponymous company Møbel AB Arne Norell. A disciple of Kaare Klint, his conceptual designs gained success partly due to the use of traditional materials and forms (leather, turned wood) combined with simple, avant-garde lines.

Arne Norell’s enduring designs mixed leather and metal, as well as turned and bent wood, in pieces that allowed the natural beauty of these materials to shine. Simple and casual yet sophisticated, his vintage sofas, lounge chairs, and other furniture epitomize the Scandinavian modern style that revolutionized design after World War II.

Though he created versatile furniture promoting comfort along

with style, Norell is less well-known than many other mid-century designers, with some of his works produced only after his death. Born in Åsele, Sweden, Norell opened a furniture workshop in Solna, north of Stockholm, in 1954. In 1958, he established Møbel AB Arne Norell on a farm in Småland, a region also known as the birthplace of IKEA, which opened its first store that same year. The beauty and tranquility of this location were a source of inspiration.

In Småland, Norell created his most famous designs, including the Inca armchair with visible wood dowels and plush leather, the Indra and Ilona sofas, and the understated yet elegant Sirocco chair with a wooden frame (1964). For many of his designs, Norell drew inspiration from the same military-style campaign furniture that decades earlier had inspired the revered Safari chair (1933) created by Kaare Klint, a legendary Danish designer and professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts who taught designers like Hans Wegner, Ole Wanscher, and others.

Like these earlier furniture designers, Norell was committed to making comfortable and practical furniture. Using leather and warm woods as the basic components of his work, he avoided the use of glue and screws, securing his designs with leather buckles and straps. In 1973, Norell received posthumous recognition from the British Furniture Manufacturers Association for his luxurious Ari chair, a sumptuous armchair on a chrome steel frame with foam cushions covered in leather.

During his lifetime, Norell’s work was popular among European interior designers. However, he became more widely known after 1971, when many of his designs finally went into production. Norell’s furniture, as well as the work of his daughter Marie Norell-Möller and other Swedish designers, is still handmade at the factory in Aneby, Sweden, operated by Norell Furniture, which remains a family business.