Wright Auction

Scandinavian modernism emerged out of a desire to create democratic design—goods that were simple, functional, well-made and affordable. Compared to other European modernist design ethos, laden with political, aesthetic and social ideologies, Scandinavian design has been celebrated for its straight-forward approach in being accessible and making everyday spaces handsome, considered and in harmony with the natural world. The earliest wave of Scandinavian modernism in the 1920s and 1930s stressed high quality materials and handmade techniques, making mass-production a bit impractical. With the explosion of consumer culture after WWII, designers like Arne Jacobsen answered the call to create designs true to the Scandinavian spirit that could be produced on a global scale.

Beginning with The Ant chair in 1952, Jacobsen aligned the organic, functional Scandinavian design ethos with the demands of industrial manufacturing, following in the footsteps of the Eames' plywood chairs. Throughout the 1950s, Jacobsen's chairs became some of the most ubiquitous designs in Scandinavia, filling humble but important cultural spaces such as classrooms, auditoriums, canteens and churches. These designs of course complement Jacobsen's larger approach to the social function of design, as witnessed in the many housing complexes, civic and commercial buildings, schools and modest single-family homes that he created as an architect.

The stacking model 3103 chair was designed to offer better lumbar support and came in various forms, including an upholstered rolling desk chair and a children's chair.