When Eva and Nils Koppel met, she was studying mathematics, and he was studying engineering. Together they studied architecture and worked in Alvar Aalto’s office. Their furniture pieces - such as this lovely wingback chair - with their organic shapes, architectural structure, and cosy upholstery, are very representative of Scandinavian design.
This rare model has the best characteristics of Danish mid-century modern design. Its comfort and stylish design elements make this chair an especially distinctive work of Eva and Nils Koppel. The design revolves around the tiered profile, starting from the “wings” on the top, followed by the arms and sides of the seat in a stair-like gradation, creating a continuous and flowing line. The round edges contribute to the soft and cosy impression of the design, which is complimented by the unique legs that appear to gently clasp the body. The back legs are slightly tilted to support the lightly elevated seat. The dark stained, slightly tapered wooden legs pair beautifully with the light coloured fabric of the upholstery. The tufted buttons arranged in three lines enhance the wingback shape of the back, while the pairing of materials and colours gives an elegant, yet understated look to this Koppel model.
The Danish design idiom was centred on warm woods, quality fabrics and gentle yet robust support for the spine - qualities that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture. The Koppels’ exceptional architectural talent is evident even in this model 781 easy chair, which is outstanding not only in the couple’s repertoire, but also among mid-century Danish easy chairs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
28.34 in W x 30.9 in D x 39.17 in H; Seat height 17.91 in; Arm height 23.22 in
72 cm W x 78.5 cm D x 99.5 cm H; Seat height 45.5 cm; Arm height 59 cm
About the designer:
Eva Koppel, born Eva Ditlevsen (1916-2006) and Nils Adolf Koppel (1914-2009) were a Danish functionalist architect couple who characterized the post-war era and the public building of the welfare society.
Nils and Eva Koppel met during their shared lectures at the Danish Polytechnic Teaching Institute in 1935, where Eva studied mathematics and Nils studied engineering. The same year, they applied to the Academy of the Arts' School of Architecture, where they were both admitted. The year after, in 1936, they got married.
During their studies between 1938 and 1939, they worked together in Finland at Alvar Aalto's design studio. In 1940, they had their first child and the following year they both graduated from the School of Architecture. Since Nils Koppel's father was Jewish, in 1943 they had to flee because of the Jewish persecution. They fled to Finland and resumed working at Aalto's design studio. In the years following the war, the couple designed a number of single-family homes, and set up a home of their own in 1946. Initially, they erected houses for family and friends, designed wallpaper, chairs, watches, light fixtures, and other art-industrial objects.
In 1954, their joint studio won the architectural competition for the Langelinie Pavilion, which was erected in 1958 and has been preserved. The pavilion's rigorous shape, slim profiles and its design as a 'floating' box are indebted to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's school and the international style. The couple got their first big task in 1954 via family relations: The settlement Søllerød Park. Their house design managed to preserve the scenic parkland, and is now one of the great architectural classics for this time period.
The Koppel couple has received numerous awards and honours, including: The Wood Prize 1960, the Natural Stone Prize 1966 and the Eckersberg Medal 1955. Nils Koppel was also awarded the Knud V. Engelhardt Scholarship in 1951. ~H.
