Niels Gammelgaard c/o IKEA

When writing the history of design, it’s impossible to overlook the contributions and impact of individual designers. Occasionally, there emerges a creator who transcends trends, reshapes aesthetic ideals, and, as they say, sets a new standard. Such a figure appeared on Swedish soil as the 1970s gave way to the 1980s. But he was Danish. And despite a heritage rooted in traditional woodworking, he went on to create a series of classics in plastic and tubular steel.

It all began with a plastic chair sometime in the mid-1970s. Niels Gammelgaard had attempted to pitch several furniture designs to Ingvar Kamprad, who initially declined but suggested Gammelgaard design a chair for him instead. The result—the Folke chair—was introduced in the 1977 IKEA catalog, with an initial production run of 125,000 units. The rest, as they say, could easily be called history, but by the early 1980s, Niels Gammelgaard and IKEA had introduced new models in tubular steel with metal mesh seats, backs, and table surfaces. As noted by Sigrid Schutt in the August 1981 issue of Allt i Hemmet, this style was referred to as High Tech and was considered the height of fashion. The flagship model of this era was the Moment sofa, which graced the cover of the 1985 IKEA catalog.

Gammelgaard’s collaboration with IKEA was long-lasting, with the furniture giant introducing numerous models designed by the Danish furniture architect over the years. Some, like the video cart (!) Kri 68, were soon forgotten, but many became bestsellers, and a few even achieved the status of Scandinavian design classics. However, it’s far from just IKEA that has produced and sold Gammelgaard’s designs. Among the more prominent manufacturers are Fritz Hansen, Magnus Olesen, and Bent Krogh. Now, as Stockholms Auktionsverk presents Niels Gammelgaard’s remarkable collection, a significant design legacy is showcased in its entirety for a few days at Nybrogatan 32 in Stockholm. Here, well-known models like Moment, Järvi, and Guide are displayed alongside rarer pieces such as the Transit armchair in two vibrant 1980s versions, the elegant Roma rolling table, and the foldable Ted table (yes, a prime example of that elusive video cart is also included). The auction features much more than just furniture, with items such as lamps, a pair of sinks, and even a pedal car. All items up for auction come from Niels Gammelgaard’s own home and are signed by the designer himself.

Welcome to Stockholms Auktionsverk for a design experience like no other!

The themed auction will be published online on August 16 and will be held on August 26. The exhibition will take place at Nybrogatan 32 in Stockholm from August 20 to August 26 and will be open to visitors during regular hours.