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 in 1932. This example executed in November 1932.
Birch top, black lacquered birch, polished steel, Macassar ebony. 
Manufacturer's metal plaque to the underside: 'R36920-C25535'.

Furniture

'Record' Console

Designed in 1931, this example executed in November 1931.
Stained birch with marquetry top, stainless steel base.
With producers roundel and plaque impressed 'NK R R36110 C61134' to underside.

'Typenko' Table

Designed in 1932, this example executed in 1934.
Veneered birch, Macassar ebony. 
Manufacturer's metal plaque to the underside: 'R36918-C26434'.

'Record' Side Table

Birch, zebrano, carved details. 
Metal manufacturer's plaque to the underside: NK R 38737 - C 27410.

'Caesar' Console

Designed 1929, this example executed 1930.
Partially gilded and painted birch with craquelure technique, inset polished slate top. 
Producer's metal tag impressed 'R 33763 - C11 10 30'.

'Åbo' Console

Model 'Lovö', designed in 1932. This example executed January, 1932.
Pine, cushion in recently upholstered fabric.

Provenance:
Engineer and architect Theodor Anton Bergen (1882-1957),
Theodor Anton Bergen had a summer house called Uggleboet built on the family's extensive archipelago estate in the Stockholm archipelago in the mid-1930s. The summer house was furnished with furniture ordered and manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet.

Pair of 'Lovö' Armchairs

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

Provenance: 
Södermalms Rådhus

'Record' Desk / Console

Model designed in 1932.
Pine, patinated iron, recently upholstered cushions.

Set of Twelve 'Lovö' Chairs

Red lacquered wood, gilded decoration. Black stone. Model Åbo.

Table marked with metal tag AB NORDISKA KOMPANIET R 33763 - 11 10 30. Mirror marked with metal tag NK Nordiska Kompaniet AB R 3376- C 20 3 30.

Mirror: H.158 W.60 D.3 cm

Console and Mirror "Åbo"

Ash. Adjustable shelves. Designed 1936. Exhibited at the exhibition Vackra Möbler 

left to right; 
h.95,5cm/37,6'' w.150cm/59,1'' d.27cm/10,6'' 1937. Numbered NR 400168 - C21438
h.95,5cm/37,6'' w.125cm/49,2'' d.27cm/10,6'' Numbered NR 40016C - C30538.

Pair of 'O.K.' Bookcases

'Utö' Sofa

Lacquered hardwood, carved decoration of urns and palmettos. Horse hair textile upholstered seat. 

Provenance: 
Hotel Carlton, Stockholm.

Pair of 'Thebe' Armchairs

Literature: 
Magazine, 'Boet', 1929, p. 87.

Designed 1928, this example executed 1929.
Painted birch in craquelure technique.
With producer's plaque impressed 'R 33725 - 27 9 29'.

¨Blidö¨ Corner Cabinet

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

'Funkis' Chair

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

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

Provenance: 
Söderhamns Rådhus

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.

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.

'Utö' Table

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

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

'Caesar' Armchair

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

Set of Six 'Caesar' 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)

Axel Einar Hjorth

1888 - 1959