'Ateljee' Leather And Ash Sofa And Armchair By Yrjö Kukkapuro For Haimi Finland

A Rare Ash and Leather 'Ateljee' Suite by Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi, Finland, Circa 1965

This streamlined sectional sofa and armchair set is characterised by a simple, natural, and modernist aesthetic. The design features a solid construction defined by clean lines and angular shapes. Beautiful figured ash veneer frames the black leather cushions, creating a bold yet elegant contrast.

The backrest cushions are substantial and expertly crafted, gently angled for enhanced comfort. They sit on their original Pirelli rubber webbing, which is housed within a black tubular metal structure. Both the sofa and armchair rest on smart circular legs that elevate and refine the overall design.

A standout detail is the way the leather curls around the frame, offering additional comfort and tactile support. Timeless and well-proportioned, this suite fits seamlessly into traditional, modernist, or contemporary interiors. Seat height is roughly 40cm.

The sofa and armchair have been professionally cleaned, refreshed, and polished. The leather is in good condition with a vintage patina, as you would expect. The ash veneer has minor edge wear in places, which has been carefully polished in. The Pirelli webbing remains in good condition and provides reliable support for the cushions.

Yrjö Kukkapuro, born in 1933 in Wyborg, Finland, initially aspired to be a painter before turning to furniture design in 1956 at the Institute of Applied Arts in Helsinki. He opened his own studio in 1959, focusing on functional, ergonomic furniture. In 1964, he created his iconic Karuselli lounge chair, inspired by the imprint of his body in the snow—a piece now held in major collections such as MoMA in New York.

From the 1970s, Kukkapuro embraced minimalist design, though he responded to the postmodern trends of the 1980s with more expressive works, such as his Experiment collection. His furniture was primarily produced by Finnish company Haimi until he partnered with Avarte in the 1980s. Throughout his career, Kukkapuro remained committed to functionality, striving to create durable and comfortable pieces using minimal materials.