The chairs SKATA and HAMAR are key pieces in Icelandic modern design.

 

Designed by Halldór Hjálmarsson, they were the first chairs in the country made using moulded plywood. Their production began a few years after “The Ant” by Arne Jacobsen was released, making them among the first pieces of furniture to draw inspiration from his revolutionary design. 

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Having studied furniture design in Copenhagen, Halldór drew inspiration from the techniques and forms shaping modern Danish furniture at the time. Building on this foundation, he set out to push these concepts further, weaving in ideas taken from the natural world along with technical enhancements.

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SKATA (ray), introduced in 1959, features a feminine silhouette inspired by the skate fish, and its name also nods to American designer “Ray” Eames.

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HAMAR (hammer), released in 1961, offers a more masculine profile, drawing on the powerful lines of the hammerhead shark and referencing Arne Jacobsen’s lesser known “Hammerhead” chair. Later, HAMAR became known as “THORSHAMMER,” echoing the shape of the old Nordic symbol.

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Together, SKATA and HAMAR embody contrasting feminine and masculine qualities, creating a dynamic interplay that brings balance, movement, and character to any interior.

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Halldór refined earlier designs of plywood shells by shifting the shell’s narrowest point higher on the backrest. This strengthened the chair while preserving flexibility and created the distinct human-like waistline seen in both SKATA and HAMAR.

 

Another defining feature is the use of egg-shaped rubber brackets inspired by skate and shark eggs. These brackets soften movement and reduce noise when the chairs are handled, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable experience.

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Additionally, the chairs are lightweight and compact, making them an ideal option where space is limited.

 

Today, SKATA and HAMAR remain the oldest Icelandic furniture piece still in production.

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