The ‘Chair-Man’ of Sweden
The ‘Chair-Man’ of Sweden
Åke Axelsson has spent seven decades refining the art of chair design. Trained as a cabinet maker and interior architect, he has created chairs for major projects, including the Swedish Parliament and the Royal Palace. His approach is rooted in function, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of architecture. This article looks at Åke Axelsson’s design philosophy, influences, and his work's lasting impact.
Among all Swedish architects and designers, one has been most dedicated to the phenomenon of the chair. For seven decades, Åke Axelsson has tirelessly dedicated his professional life and passion to advancing the art of chair design. It’s hard to know exactly how many chairs Axelsson has designed, but you can easily say hundreds. When studying his extensive collected works, you will find no shortcuts, no frivolity, no carelessness, or unnecessary repetitions. The result of Axelsson’s design work is exclusively about creative talent, craftsmanship, and an unfailing eye for the essentials.
Åke Axelsson (b. 1932) is a trained cabinet maker and interior architect. He began his career in the early 1960s and has since completed several large-scale interior projects, including the Swedish Parliament, Stockholm’s School of Economics, and various restaurants, such as Den Gyldene Freden. In the 1990s and 2000s, Axelsson’s commissions included the Parliament Library, the Swedish Royal Palace, the Royal Armoury, and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art at Gateshead, Great Britain.
Åke Axelsson has designed chairs for nearly all of his interior projects. When he could not find one suitable for the job, whether from his extensive production or available in the market, he created one that fit. In this regard, his design's starting point is functionality. His chairs are crafted to serve a purpose while also enhancing the interiors. Axelsson’s carpentry skills are clearly evident in his design language; aesthetics are an important ingredient but rarely the main one. The chair’s expression and beauty derive from how it relates to the architecture.
The in-depth exploration of ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts has also been a significant area of interest for Axelsson's design work. The chair Grekland clearly reflects this fascination, offering a sustainable and artisanal solution.
As co-owner of the renowned furniture manufacturer Gärsnäs, Axelsson has the opportunity to closely monitor the development and production of his numerous chairs and their journey to customers. This adds legitimacy and authenticity to his designs.
When asked about his working process, Axelsson once said, “When designing a chair, I first create the prototype in the workshop; afterward, I make the drawings!”
Article written by Lars Bülow
