Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' Sofa
About the Item
- Creator:Ole Wanscher (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 43 in (109.22 cm)Width: 48.75 in (123.83 cm)Depth: 29 in (73.66 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. New upholstery required, teak finish worn, minor scratches.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:
Ole Wanscher
A scholar and architect with the heart of an artist, Ole Wanscher helped define the functional, clean-cut style that formed the core of modern Danish furniture design. Influenced heavily by his world travels, Wanscher gained inspiration from English, Asian, Egyptian and traditional Shaker furniture, and he incorporated elements from these styles into his revered mid-century designs.
Wanscher’s deep respect for the use of traditional materials such as quality wood is reflected in his work, which is valued for being both beautiful and built to last. He was also a leader in the postwar “design for everyone” movement, creating many pieces intended for everyday life within the small confines of the average Danish household. Later, Wanscher became a prolific writer on the subject of furniture design. He is considered one of the most significant influences on the world of Scandinavian modernism.
The son of an art historian and a painter, Wanscher studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. From 1925 to 1927, Wanscher worked under the great Danish designer and professor Kaare Klint, who became one of the greatest stylistic influences on his output. Wanscher would go on to work as a professor at the academy from 1955 to 1973.
Wanscher founded his own furniture manufacturing company in 1929. Here he employed the top cabinetmakers of the day, most notably A.J. Iversen, with whom Wanscher collaborated for many years. While the workshop produced seductive handmade furniture with organic materials such as teak and mahogany, Wanscher intended to design durable seating, tables and more for the mass market — he was committed to making quality furniture available to a wider audience.
Of all of Wanscher’s designs, he is perhaps best known for his Colonial chair. This piece — which is part of a collection for Danish manufacturer P. Jeppesens that includes a sofa and a coffee table — exemplifies his penchant for combining minimalist design with traditional craftsmanship. Wanscher’s dining room tables, such as the Rungstedlund table, also epitomize the elegance of his work’s simple silhouettes and careful construction. These sleek tables serve as an ideal centerpiece for both modern and traditionally styled dining rooms, highlighting the versatility of Wanscher’s work.
Wanscher received a gold medal for his exemplary work at the 1960 Milan Triennale. He also received the Copenhagen Carpenters’ Guild Annual Award. Though Wanscher passed away in 1985, his iconic designs and scholarly writings remain relevant to this day.
Find vintage Ole Wanscher tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Wall, NJ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Ole Wanscher #166 Sofa for Cado in Senator OakBy Ole WanscherLocated in Brooklyn, NYScandinavian modern sofa designed by Ole Wanscher in 1951 and manufactured by Cado (France & Son). Striking and comfortable seating addition to home or business setting. Please confi...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsOak, Upholstery
- Ole Wanscher Style Living Room Suite with Sofa and ChairsBy Ole WanscherLocated in Brooklyn, NYSofa and two armchairs in the manner of Ole Wanscher. Graceful sloping rosewood arms with nicely detailed frames and cushions provide an understated, elegant appearance. Please confi...Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Living Room Sets
MaterialsRosewood, Upholstery
- Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style SofaBy Peter HvidtLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis unique midcentury sofa features stylish curved armrests, original studded upholstery, and a unique finish. Please confirm item location (NY or ...Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery
- Modern George Nakashima Armless SetteeBy George NakashimaLocated in Brooklyn, NYMid-century George Nakashima sofa featuring no arms, angled slat back, matching throw pillows and cushions. This item includes a letter of authentific...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Settees
MaterialsWalnut
- Pair of Midcentury Settee's by Charlotte Chair CompanyBy Charlotte Chair CompanyLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis beautiful vintage modern pair of sofas feature pink vinyl upholstery and a base with wood trim. A sleek and comfortable design that makes a s...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
MaterialsFaux Leather, Wood
- Scandinavian Modern Teak Sofa after Grete JalkBy Grete Jalk, France & DaverkosenLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis Scandinavian modern teak sofa after Grete Jalk features stylish Mid-Century Modern design, iconic sculpted seat back, and rich vintage teak finish. Vintage upholstered cushions ...Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsTeak
- Ole Wanscher Black Leather Sofa with Mahogany FrameBy Ole WanscherLocated in London, GBFreestanding three seater sofa with mahogany frame designed by Ole Wanscher. Sides, seat and back upholstered with black leather. This example made...Category
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Ole Wanscher Black Leather Sofa with Rosewood FrameBy Ole WanscherLocated in London, GBFreestanding three seater sofa with Brazilian rosewood frame by Ole Wanscher. Seat, sides and back upholstered with black leather. Made by cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen. Fair conditi...Category
Vintage 1960s European Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Colonial 2-Seat Sofa, Model OW149-2, by Ole Wanscher, 1960sBy Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens MøbelfabrikLocated in Lejre, DKExquisite Colonial 2-Seat Sofa, Model OW149-2, a timeless creation by the revered designer Ole Wanscher in 1964, skillfully crafted by P. Jeppesen in the 1960s. This elegant sofa em...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Rosewood
- Ole Wanscher Two-Seat SetteeBy Ole WanscherLocated in Los Angeles, CAOle Wanscher two-seat settee in mahogany with leather.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Settees
MaterialsLeather, Mahogany
- Senator Sofa in Teak by Ole Wanscher for France & Son, 1950sBy Ole Wanscher, France & SønLocated in Lisboa, LisboaThis three-seater 'Senator 166' sofa, designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Søn in the 1960s, is a paragon of Scandinavian mid-century design. The piece showcases the clean lines, qu...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsWool, Teak
- Senator 3-Seat Sofa in Teak by Ole Wanscher for France and Son, DenmarkBy France & Søn, Ole WanscherLocated in Halle, DEScandinavian senator 3-seat sofa in teakwood, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark. Cushions have been reupholstered with fabrics by JAB Anstötz. Man...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsTeak