Scirocco Safari Lounge Chairs in Black Leather & Ash by Arne Norell for Arne Norell AB, 1960s, Set of 2

Model · Scirocco
Designer · Arne Norell
Manufacturer · Arne Norell AB
Origin · Sweden
Period · 1960s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Mid-Century Modern
Materials · Solid ash, leather
Colour · Light ash, black

Object

Scirocco looks as though it could be dismantled, packed onto a journey and rebuilt somewhere far away. The wooden structure is completely exposed. Thick leather straps pull it together, cushions settle inside, and brass buckles remain visible rather than being hidden as technical necessities. Construction becomes the decoration.

Arne Norell designed the chair in the 1960s, borrowing the wandering spirit of campaign and safari furniture and giving it the precision of Swedish craftsmanship. There is something beautifully contradictory about the result. Scirocco feels rugged but sophisticated, temporary but made to survive generations. In pale ash and black leather, this pair makes that contrast even sharper, two chairs that can quietly transform the atmosphere of an entire room.

Designer

Arne Norell (1917–1971) approached Scandinavian modernism from a slightly different direction. Where many of his contemporaries pursued purity through reduction, Norell allowed his furniture to remain tactile, relaxed and sometimes almost adventurous.

After establishing Möbel AB Arne Norell in 1954, he developed a language built around exposed structures, generous leather and carefully considered details. Scirocco became one of its clearest expressions. Wood, straps, buckles and cushions are allowed to remain visibly separate, each performing its own role. The chair feels less like a finished shell than a collection of beautifully made parts held together in exactly the right way.

Manufacturer

Arne Norell founded his own furniture company in Sweden in 1954, giving him unusually close control over the relationship between design and production. The workshop became the place where his fascination with leather, wood, exposed construction and unconventional comfort could develop without being separated from the craft required to make it possible.

Following Norell's death in 1971, the company continued his legacy and remains closely associated with the furniture he created. Scirocco became one of its defining designs, preserving a particularly distinctive corner of Swedish modernism where craftsmanship and a sense of exploration could comfortably inhabit the same object.

Condition

The original solid ash frames remain beautifully preserved and retain their natural light tone and character. The seating, backrests, armrests and supporting elements have been refreshed in premium black leather, restoring their strength and tactile quality while remaining faithful to the original construction. Both chairs are preserved in excellent vintage condition.

Dimensions

Width · 67 cm / 26.4 in
Depth · 66 cm / 26.0 in
Height · 71 cm / 28.0 in
Seat height · 38 cm / 15.0 in

Included

The lounge chairs are accompanied by a Back to the Furniture Certificate of Originality, a Back to the Furniture flyer, a Thank You card and a small gift.

Availability

The lounge chairs can be ready to ship within 10-15 workdays.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available. Every piece is carefully prepared and packed for international transport. Shipping costs are calculated according to destination at checkout, with tracking provided after dispatch.

Enquiries

For questions about the piece, its condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

© Back to the Furniture