Axel Einar Hjorth (1888–1959) was a pivotal figure in 20th-century Scandinavian design, renowned for his innovative approach that bridged traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Serving as the chief designer for Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) during the 1920s and 1930s, Hjorth played a crucial role in defining Swedish modernism. His work, characterized by a unique blend of functionality and elegance, includes celebrated pieces such as the "Utö" and the "Lovö" series, the names inspired on the islands of the Archipelago of Stockholm. Hjorth's contributions to Scandinavian design are marked by his adept use of natural materials and a keen understanding of minimalist principles.

NK Nordiska Kompaniet

Designed 1930.
Stained birch, original naturally patinated leather seat, leather wrapped backrest and buttons.
Applied brass plate stamped 'NK R 34580 - C25 1 32'

Furniture

'Funkis' Chair

Literature: 
Björk, Christian, Ekström, Thomas, Ericson, Eric, 'Axel Einar Hjorth Möbelarkitekt', Atlantis (Lund) 2009, p. 118.

Model designed in 1934, these executed in 1934.
Birch, cane, fabric upholstery.
Manufacturer's metal plaque to the frame: 'C 37820 C 9536'.

Set of Four 'Bertil' Dining Chairs

Macassar ebony, stained birch, birch. 
With NK plaque impressed 'R 39012 C 31426'  and branded 'Inköpt År 1935'.

Provenance: 
Söderhamns Rådhus

'Record' Desk / Console

Model 'Lovö', designed in 1932.
Stained pine, wrought Iron, fabric upholstered cushion.

'Lovö' Armchair

Model 'Lovö', designed in 1932.
Stained pine, fabric upholstered cushions. 


Provenance:
Private summerhouse Ramsö, Vaxholm, Sweden.

'Lovö' Sofa

Model 'Typenko', designed in 1931. This model executed in November 1931.
Stained birch, stainless steel.
Manufacturers metal plaque to the underside, including archive no.: 'R36110-C11032'.

'Typenko' Side Table

Literature:
Björk, Christian, Ekström, Thomas, 'Axel Einar Hjorth: Furniture, architect', Signum (Stockholm) 2009, p.123.

SMF-Bodafors

Stained birch.
Manufacturer's metal plaque to the reverse: 'AB SVENSKA MÖBELFABRIKERNA BODAFORS'.

Adjustable shelves.

'Roma' Cabinet

Literature:
Björk, Christian, Ekström, Thomas, 'Axel Einar Hjorth: Furniture, architect', Signum (Stockholm) 2009, p.47.

Model 'Skoga', designed in 1932. 
Stained pine. 

Photographed together with 'Skoga' table (ref. 2311024) and bench (ref. 2311023).

Pair of 'Skoga' Stools

Model 'Skoga', designed in 1932. This model executed in 1933.
Stained pine. 
Manufacturer's plaque to the underside: 'R 36367 C 21 7 33'.

Photographed together with 'Skoga' bench (ref. 2311023) and stools (ref. 2311026).

Provenance: 
The hunting lodge at the diocese farm Lilleskog, Alingsås. Built in the 1930s by the owners Max and Lisa Klusendick. The farm with fixtures was donated to 'Diocese of Skara' in 1959.

'Skoga' Table

Literature:
Catalogue, 'NK's Sommerkatalog; Trädgårdsmöbler', 1932, np.

Model 'Skoga', designed in 1932. This model executed in 1933.
Stained pine. 
Manufacturer's plaque to the underside: 'R 36366 C 3 10 33'.

Photographed together with 'Skoga' table (ref. 2311024) and stools (ref. 2311026).

Provenance: 
The hunting lodge at the diocese farm Lilleskog, Alingsås. Built in the 1930s by the owners Max and Lisa Klusendick. The farm with fixtures was donated to 'Diocese of Skara' in 1959.

'Skoga' Bench

'Utö' Table

Literature:
Catalgoue, 'NK's Sommerkatalog; Trädgårds - och Sportstungemöbler', 1936, np.

Model 'Ceasar', designed in 1928.
Birch, carved decoration in relief, fabric upholstery.

'Ceasar' Armchair

Model 'Ceasar', designed in 1928. 
Birch, carved decoration in relief, fabric upholstery.

Set of Six 'Ceasar' Chairs

Literature: 
Björk, Christian, Ekström, Thomas, 'Axel Einar Hjorth: Furniture, architect', Orosdi-Backs (Stockholm) 2011, p. 78, 105.

Model 'Du Barry', special commissioned example. 
Stained birch, wool upholstery. 
Maker's mark to the underside. 

Lowback Chair: H. 85 cm W. 65 cm D. 75 cm Seat h. 48 cm Arm h. 64 cm

'Du Barry' Armchair

Designed in 1933, this example executed in July 1933.
Pine, birch, lacquered birch cashmere textile upholstery.
Manufacturer's metal tag to the base: R 37039 C 7733.

'Sibylla' Daybed

History:
The "Sibylla" series was designed by Axel Einar Hjorth in January 1933, following Princess Sibylla's visit to Sweden in December 1932. The model was exhibited at Nordiska Kompaniet's spring exhibition in 1933.

Literature:
Björk, Christian, Ekström, Thomas, 'Axel Einar Hjorth: Furniture, architect', Signum (Stockholm) 2009, p. 114-115. (Sibylla series)

Carved and stained birch, root wood, inlay in relief decoration. Inside with drawers and shelves. 
With applied metal plaque: 'Sonesson På Öster, Malmö'.

Cabinet

Model 'Sandhamn', designed in 1929.
Carved, stained pine, iron nails.
Three chairs with manufacturer's metal plaque: 'NK R 33845 - C 28 5 31'.

Provenance:
Brostugan, Drottningholm, Stockholm

Set of Six 'Sandhamn' Dining Chairs

History: 
Brostugan was built in the 1780s as a bridge keeper's house after Gustav III had the first bridge built between the island 'Kärsön' and Drottningholm Castle. The building had this function until 1931, after it was renovated and converted into a café under the direction of architect Ivar Tengbom. During this renovation, a new interior also was added featuring 'Sportstuge' furniture by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, model 'Sandhamn' and 'Sport'.

Designed in 1932. 
Acid treated, stained pine.

Literature:
Björk, Christian, Ekström, Thomas & Ericson, Eric, 'Axel Einar Hjorth: Möbelarkitekt', Signum (Stockholm) 2009, p.128.
Catalogue NK, 'Trädgårds- och Sportstungemöbler', 1936, np.

'Utö' Sofa

Stained birch with three doors with relief decoration. 
With applied metal manufacturer's plaque.

'Roma' Sideboard

Set of Eight 'Utö' Dining Chairs

Literature: 
Björk, Christian, Ekström, Thomas & Ericson, Eric, 'Axel Einar Hjorth: Möbelarkitekt', Signum (Stockholm) 2009, p.130.

Model 'Utö', designed in 1932. This example executed in 1932 and is an extra deep version.  

Acid treated, stained pine.
NK drawing no. 36271.

Another example with 55cm depth available: ref. <a href="https://www.jacksons.se/products/table-2205029" target="_blank">2205029</a>.

Model 'Du Barry', special commissioned example. 
Stained birch, wool upholstery. 
Maker's mark to the underside. 

Highback Chair: H. 105 cm W. 71 cm D. 88 cm Seat h. 48 cm Arm h. 60 cm
Lowback Chair: H. 85 cm W. 65 cm D. 75 cm Seat h. 48 cm Arm h. 64 cm

Axel Einar Hjorth

1888 - 1959