Etcetera was designed in 1970 by Jan Ekselius and has since then become an icon for the design expression of the 70s. In an exclusive collaboration between Artilleriet and the designer, Artilleriet will resume the original production of the Etcetera series. The easy chair and its characteristic organic form is part of the Swedish design heritage and brings a higher level of design to any space.
"It all began when I was attending the Royal College of Art in London and discovered how elegantly and naturally elastic materials formed when stretched over a convex shape," said Ekselius. "I made a prototype in the school's workshop of bent steel pipes and latex dipped jute fabric, the prototype ended up as one of my degree projects. When production started in 1972 at the J.O. Carlsson, we realised that the elastic fabric was difficult to use an I started to search for a replacing material. I eventually found a solution when Volvo invented their adjustable Pullmaflex back support. Now the concept and comfort have been even further developed with the help of elastic bands."
The knowledge and experience of the original production has been brought into the development of the new Etcetera. To achieve the highest level of quality and a sustainable product the assembling is completed together with craftsmen experienced from the original manufacturing at J.O. Carlsson and Forsbergs in Småland, Sweden. The manufacturing of Etcetera testifies of a genuine craftsmanship by seasoned professionals and their love for the furniture.
"I am very glad to collaborate with Artilleriet, they have an approach to design that very much correspond with my own and I really do look forward to the relaunch," added Ekselius. "50 years ago I could never have had imagined that Etcetera would be this desired today."
Photography: Courtesy of Artilleriet