Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi 'Ateljee' Sectional Sofa in Black Leather

Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi Finland, modular sofa, leather, metal, wood, Finland, 1963

This streamlined sectional sofa is characterized by a simplistic, natural and modernist aesthetics. The design features a solid construction of clear lines and angular shapes. The white wooden carcass holds the black leather cushions together. Notable detail is the way the leather curls around the frame, providing extra comfort for the body. The base is comprised of upright legs that offset the heaviness of the seat. The sofa is an elegant and well-proportioned piece within an uncomplicated construction that allows it to fit seamlessly to one's modernist or contemporary interior.

Yrjö Kukkapuro is born in 1933 in Wyborg, Finland. Initially, Kukkapuro dreamt of becoming a painter. However, in 1956, he started his education in furniture design at the Institute of Applied Arts in Helsinki. After his studies, he opened his own studio in 1959 where he focused on designing functional furniture. In 1964, he designed his famous Karuselli lounge chair, which he was inspired by the imprint of himself in the snow. The chair is represented in well-known museums such as the MoMA in New York. From the 1970s onwards, he decided to fully center his attention on minimalistic designs. However, reacting on the postmodern trends of the eighties, his designs became more expressive. This is for instance visible in his “Experiment” collection. Throughout his career, Kukkapuro let his designs be manufactured by the Finish company Haimi, but in the eighties he chose a new company named Avarte. In his designs, Kukkapuro always choose functionality over form. He always sees it as his challenge to create functional, durable and comfortable furniture using as little material as possible.

Please note that this item is in good, used condition. The wood exhibits lacquer fading and dents. The leather and metal is in patinated condition. Restoration is possible before shipping by our experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts for further information about the endless possibilities our restoration and upholstery atelier has to offer. Of course, a locally organized restoration is possible as well.

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