Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet Bookcase in Birch and Glass

Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, bookcase, stained birch, glass, Sweden, 1927

In 1927, Axel Einar Hjorth unveiled a masterpiece for Nordiska Kompaniet – a bookcase that embodies the epitome of Swedish design. The bookcase is crafted from stained birch. The doors with glass windows are offering a glimpse into its treasures within. This piece embodies the Swedish Grace style. Swedish Grace is the term for a romantic style that was followed in Sweden in the 1920s. It celebrated the rebirth of neoclassicism in subtle forms. It is characterized by simple, highly elegant forms. The pieces of that time were hand-crafted unique pieces with the use of high-quality materials. Most-known designers of the Swedish Grace are amongst others Axel Einar Hjorth and Carl Malmsten.

Axel Einar Hjorth was born in the south of Sweden in 1888. Due to a difficult youth and home situation, he was placed in a foster family from a young age. At the age of twenty, he decided to move to Stockholm, where he studied architecture and design at the Högre Konstindustriella Skolan. However, he dropped out of his studies after the death of his foster father and started working as a furniture designer. Throughout this period, he worked with various companies such as H. Joop & co, Jonssons, Myrstedt & Stern. Furthermore, he represented Sweden at important international fairs and exhibitions, gaining fame and promoting contemporary Swedish design. In October of 1927, Hjorth became the chief designer for Nordiska Kompaniet, which was one of the most important, exclusive furniture producers of Sweden during that time. He stayed with the company for over ten years. Eventually, in 1938, he left the Nordiska to start his own business. However, he needed additional income and therefore became the chief designer at ASKI. He worked on his own architect office as well as at ASKI until the mid of the 1950s. Unfortunately, in 1959, Hjorth fell ill and died shortly after. Overall, his designs were characterized by sleek features while still including play ornamentation inspired by historical periods such as the French Art Deco movement. His design had an elegant, refined but simple look using exotic woods, bright colors and textiles.

VAT within the EU: When buying or delivering an item within the EU, VAT usually applies and will be added.