Designer of the month - Olof Ottelin

(Photo: Wikipedia)

A multi-talented Finnish designer - interior architect, designer and cartoonist

Karl Olof Ottelin (1917- 1971) lived and worked in Helsinki. Ottelin is one of the most important names in the history of Finnish interior architecture and furniture design. His special skill was also cartooning.

You can also find his furniture production in our online shop.

Chairs 6 pieces, 1950/1960s, Olof Ottelin

Early years and learning

Ottelin began his studies at the Central School of Art and Design in Helsinki in 1939. However, the outbreak of the Continuation War forced him to interrupt his studies and he returned to them after the war, graduating as an interior architect in 1946.

The Ottelins' Kulosaari home. Photo: private archive of the Ottelin family. 

A career at Stockmann

Just two years after graduating, Ottelin started his career in Stockmann's drawing office. His rise through the company was rapid, becoming head of the furniture department in 1953 and artistic director of the interior design departments from 1955 until his death in 1971.

Innovations and designs

Ottelin's hand can be seen in many iconic designs. In particular, his modernist wooden chairs such as Status, Camillo, Nero, Kaleva and Othello have have gained recognition. Ottelin's visionary work was not limited to furniture: he designed cabinet and shelving systems as well as large-scale interiors for the Swedish-speaking community college in Helsinki, Königstedt Manor, Lahti Seurahuone, Pori Town Hall and Laulumiesten Talo in Etu-Töölö.

Armchair, 1950/1960s, Olof Ottelin

Big bookcase, Model Formula, 1960s, Olof Ottelin

A versatile talent

Although Ottelin is best known as an interior designer, he was also a highly skilled cartoonist. His drawings have appeared in many magazines, including Kaunis Koti (Beautiful Home). In addition, he has appeared in live TV programmes on Yle and in Swedish-language publications such as Nya Pressen and Lucifer. Ottelin's writing has also appeared in Arkkitehti magazine, demonstrating his versatility and in-depth understanding of his field.

The image below is from a drawing in a book on Olof Ottelin's work, relating to his magazine articles in which he advised on how to decorate and how not to decorate.

Legacy

Olof Ottelin's influence on Finnish design and culture lives on. His work is still recognised: the Amos Anderson Art Museum organised an exhibition dedicated to him in 1989, and in 2023 the Kerava Art Museum gave visitors the opportunity to see his life's work.
A book on Olof Ottelin, The Form of the Interior Architect, published and produced by the Museum of Architecture, was also published this year.

HERE you can find out more about the collectables designed by Olof Ottelin in Fargo's collection.