Pair of swiwel chairs and sofa, circa 1960 attributed to Carl Eric Klote for Overman,
Description
What I like
I especially love the enveloping shape of the three elements of this living room set, which ensures its comfort, while being made light by the innovative materials used (polystyrene and cast aluminum) and by these straight stems with cross-shaped bases, which make them seem to float! Each armchair moves easily, which is particularly useful in fairly small spaces.
I love the warm but not too bright orange color of the fabric, which has a very visible texture and matches the original upholstery: this fabric brings both energy and a reassuring warmth, giving a cozy feel!
Finally, I admire the fact that this 1960s set uses such innovative materials, allowing for these light, airy, yet comfortable shapes.
Technical description
Attributed to Carl Eric KOLTE for OVERMAN
3-piece living room set consisting of two armchairs and a 3-seater sofa; each is made of a molded expanded polystyrene shell newly covered with a textured orange fabric, matching the original fabric, the armchairs swivel, the sofa rests on two cast aluminum legs with a cross-shaped base ending in a small black plastic foot. The enveloping shell flares out from the seat cushion (single for the armchairs, three for the sofa) to form slightly angled armrests.
Circa 1960.
Dimensions and weight
Chairs : Hauteur : 68 cm – Largeur : 80 cm – Profondeur : 66 cm
Sofa : Hauteur : 64 cm – Largeur : 180 cm – Profondeur : 70 cm
Weight : 30 kg
Mix & Match
This living room, with its warm and vibrant color, will be perfectly suited to both small and large spaces: it consists of three small sculptural elements, bright splashes of color that effortlessly liven up a room and harmonize with many artifacts!
If you want to stick to a Scandinavian universe, since Overman is Swedish by origin, you could choose the rare small chandelier by Erik Höglund for Boda Glaswerk with its astonishing Viking-patterned molded glass panels! But also the beautiful floor lamp by Dijsktra, with a shape so typical of the 1950s-1960s and lovely glazed earth tones in browns and beiges…
Of course, their color will shine a spotlight on the Grasshopper armchairs by Sonja Wasseur, in their black, brown, and chrome palette.
Likewise, a spotlight on the beautiful tapestry by Enrique Broglia, “Composicion metallica,” with the same dark tones but enlivened by golden brass plaques! The Ivorine set by Gae Aulenti, Orsay model, will bring a brighter counterpoint.
For the paintings, I would gladly bet on the geometric abstraction of the painting Composition – Milan 1971 by Lenine de Lima Medeiros with its blues and greens on a white background…
Above all, think about combining the very different sizes of our living room with the monumental ones of the sculpture Colonnes by Guillaume Leunens from 1966! Or choose the smaller statue by Jean Podvin in yellow marble stone!
In stock
Description
To know more
The designer
At the end of the 1950s, Swedish designer Carl Eric Klote developed a furniture manufacturing process using a lightweight expanded polystyrene structure for Overman. The company produced pieces in factories in Sweden and Germany before eventually establishing Overman USA in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Very light, yet durable enough that the company offered a 25-year warranty, these pieces became mid-20th century design classics. The chairs and sofas all have sculptural qualities and are as stylish and fashionable today as they were nearly 50 years ago.
Klote then founded Klote International Corporation in 1977, which still produces furniture using the same technique.
The editor
Overman-Sweden was the first to venture into the production of furniture made from expanded polystyrene, relying on the lightness of its products. It produced a series with the same shells, but with a chrome metal base, still fitted with the same black plastic glides. Unfortunately, the American branch did not respond to our inquiries.
It is quite possible that our set is part of an early production, where the pursuit of lightness even led to the use of cast aluminum for the base.
A beautiful and authentic set of 2 armchairs and a sofa at a fair price
This set of two swiwel armchairs and a sofa has been carefully selected for its aesthetic qualities, originality, and fair price. Our choice prioritizes above all the sharpness of design and the quality of craftsmanship, evident here, ensuring the enhancement of your new acquisition in your interior and its ability to interact with your furniture, to match and blend to create a unique decoration.
Buying vintage furniture is surely a reasonable investment, given the strong appetite for the 1960s.
Finally, buying vintage furniture preserves the planet’s resources.
Additional information
| Weight | 30 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 180 × 80 cm |
