Mid-Century Swedish Couch Designed by Bertil Fridhagen for Bröderna Andersson
A mid-century sofa by Bröderna Andersson of Sweden, designed by Bertil Fridhagen, offered by Snowdrift Antiques.
This elegant and unmistakably mid-century sofa was produced probably in the late 1950s to 1960s by Bröderna (Brothers) Andersson in Sweden. It was designed by August Julius “Bertil” Fridhagen.
Gottfrid Andersson and his wife began a carpentry shop in Värnforsen, Sweden in 1912. Beautiful and substantially made furniture became their reputation. In 1946 their 3 sons, Sven, Inge and Max took over the company and founded Bröderna Andersson Industrier in Ekenässjön. Since 1996, cousins of the third generation have continued the family tradition of graceful and well-made Swedish furniture and are still in business today.
On February 16, 1905, August Julius Fridhagen was born in the bucolic Swedish town of Norra Sandsjö. Fridhagen began his career in his father’s footsteps, as a carpenter at established furniture manufacturer Svenska Mobelfabrikerna Bodafors in Bodafors, Sweden. In the early 1930s, Fridhagen apprenticed under Carl Erik Ekholm before taking a detour to study at Konstfack and work at his hometown manufacturer Sandsjö Möbelfabrik. He returned to Bodafors in 1939 to succeed Ekholm as the company’s chief designer. He was also an architect who specialized in the design of commercial buildings and churches. Later, he joined with Bröderna Andersson to create his wildly popular “Aristokrat” line of sofas and chairs.
Fridhagen’s accolades include prizes at various international design competitions in Denmark (1954); at the California State Fair in Sacramento (1956); in Italy (1966, 1968, 1970); and in Tennessee (1972). He passed away March 23, 1993.
With its history now detailed, we can appreciate the graceful lines and curves of Fridhagen’s Aristokrat sofa. Beautifully grained walnut frames the back and sides of the piece. The four wooden legs screw into the frame with a fifth leg, underneath center, providing support. It’s lines are classic, Swedish mid-century cool.
This piece is large and commands attention in your mid-century space. It measures 96 inches in length by 30 inches deep and 34 inches high at the back.
This piece was refreshed by its previous owners. It has been re-upholstered in a soft grayish blue upholstery fabric and has new foam in the seat and back. It is very comfortable and has great support with its high back.
This sofa is in excellent vintage condition. The fabric is fairly new and in excellent condition and the wood frame has less than typical wear. It was well taken care of after its facelift.
This sofa with its clean and minimalist Swedish design will be the focal point of any room.