Scirocco Safari Lounge Chair in Beige Canvas & Leather by Arne Norell for Arne Norell AB, 1960s

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

Object

Scirocco looks ready to leave the room. Four pieces of ash create an open wooden structure, while canvas, leather belts and armrests are stretched between them with almost nothing concealed. It carries something of the safari chair, something of campaign furniture, and something unmistakably Swedish.

Norell designed Scirocco in the 1960s, taking the romance of furniture made for travel and translating it into a remarkably relaxed way of living. The canvas gives, the leather holds tension, and the wooden frame remains completely legible beneath it all. There is a sense of somewhere warmer and further away in the chair — an object made in Sweden that somehow carries the atmosphere of an open landscape.

Designer

Arne Norell (1917–1971) belonged to Scandinavian modernism, but never seemed entirely contained by it. His furniture was softer, more adventurous and often more sensual than the strict functionalism surrounding him, bringing leather, exposed structure and an almost nomadic quality into the Nordic interior.

After establishing his own company in 1954, Norell developed a remarkably personal collection of furniture. He allowed materials to remain visible and construction to become part of the experience, creating chairs that feel as compelling from behind as they do from the front. Scirocco became one of the purest expressions of that world — relaxed, tactile and built around the simple pleasure of sitting.

Manufacturer

Arne Norell founded his own furniture company in Sweden in 1954, giving him the freedom to develop designs in unusually close dialogue with their production. Wood, leather, canvas and carefully resolved connections became recurring elements in a collection shaped as much by craftsmanship as by imagination.

Scirocco emerged from this environment in the 1960s and became one of Norell's defining designs. The company continued after his death, preserving a body of work whose material honesty and distinctive sense of freedom still feel remarkably contemporary.

Condition

The solid ash frame and canvas seating remain original and are preserved in excellent vintage condition. The wood retains its original vintage finish, while the canvas is supported by original leather belts and armrests. Gentle traces of age and previous use remain visible, preserving the authentic character and history of the chair.

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 chair is 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 chair can be ready to ship within 5 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.

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