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Axel Einar Hjorth

(Sweden, 1888-1959)
Estimate
30 000 - 40 000 SEK
2 620 - 3 490 EUR
2 740 - 3 650 USD
Hammer price
115 000 SEK
Purchasing info
Image rights

The artworks in this database are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of the rights holders. The artworks are reproduced in this database with a license from Bildupphovsrätt.

For condition report contact specialist
Jonatan  Jahn
Stockholm
Jonatan Jahn
Head Specialist Contemporary and Modern Design
+46 (0)703 92 88 60
Axel Einar Hjorth
(Sweden, 1888-1959)

a rare "Blidö" table, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1929.

Brown lacquered pine and mahogany, the top a craquelée lacquered in grey with turned details, two folding flaps, maker's mark AB Nordiska Kompaniet R32963 C 6 3 29, height 74 cm, length 130 cm, total length 130 + 29 + 29 = 188 cm, width 65 cm.

Damages and wear.

Provenance

Designer Ralph Lysell (1907-1987) and Bell Calmeyer (1899-1986). Thence by descent.

More information

Ralph Lysell and Bell Calmeyer met in the USA in the 1920s, they married in 1926. In 1928 the couple moved to Stockholm to settle down. Ralph went to Nordiska Kompaniet and bought the "Blidö" furniture there, which has been in the family's possession ever since, via his son Rolf and his children. According to family legend, it was made for Ivar Kreuger, but he rejected it because it was too "delicious". After Ralph and Bell separated around 1930, Bell was informed that the furniture was unpaid and an installment agreement for the furniture was made up between Bell and NK. The debt of 1212.35 was to be paid off with SEK 75/month.

Ralph Lysell (1907-1987) Designer and industrial designer. Ralph was formerly called Rolf Åke Nystedt, but began to call himself Ralph over the years in the United States. He later changed to his mother's surname Lysell and eventually also officially changed his first name to Ralph. Ralph is best known as one of the designers behind the now iconic "Ericophone", also called the "Cobra Telephone".
Bell Calmeyer Callin (1899-1986) Midwife. Bell's name was Bergljot, a name she disliked very much and she changed to Bell, probably already during her studies in Scotland.
The son, Rolf Gösta Calmeyer (1927-2022) Artist. Born Nystedt and later called himself Nystedt Lysell to finally take his mother's maiden name Calmeyer.

Designer

Axel Einar Hjorth was one of Sweden's most significant furniture designers during the Swedish Grace era. He is also known for designing the so-called sports cabin furniture in pine.

Head designer of NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) furniture department 1927-38. His first significant project was NK's exclusive showcase at the International World Fair in Barcelona in 1929, where he presented the cabinet 'Louis' and the model 'Caesar'. In the 1930's he designed more basic models for serial production and rustic furniture in pinewood.

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