Peter Hvidt Desk
View Similar Items
Peter Hvidt Desk
About the Item
- Creator:Peter Hvidt (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 55 in (139.7 cm)Depth: 31 in (78.74 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1959
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Lambertville, NJ
- Reference Number:Seller: 9010 - UD1stDibs: LU81831121928
Peter Hvidt
One half of the influential Danish furniture duo Hvidt and Mølgaard, architect and designer Peter Hvidt created shapely works in teak and rosewood that could be mass-produced and transported at a scale rarely seen before his time. Alongside his business partner, Aalborg-born designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, the pair crafted furniture which stands today as a masterclass in the combination of elegance and practicality that is typical of Scandinavian modernism.
Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry, and graduated from the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Hvidt established his own design firm in 1940 and taught for three years at his former school, during which he designed the teak Portex chair — Denmark’s first stacking chair (this design has alternatively been attributed to Hvidt’s partnership with Mølgaard-Nielsen over the years).
The exceptional collaboration between Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen took shape in 1944. A student of pioneering Danish modernist designer and architect Kaare Klint and fellow graduate of the School of Arts and Crafts, Mølgaard brought his technical prowess and eye for practical design to the partnership. Together, for more than three decades, Hvidt and Mølgaard would produce over 250 furniture designs, a legacy that included the iconic AX chair.
A masterpiece of technical expertise and innovative woodworking, the sculptural AX armchair was designed in collaboration with manufacturer Fritz Hansen during the late 1940s. It features double-curved laminated wood in the seat and back, and is an early example of knock-down furniture. This meant that it could be easily dismantled and assembled at its destination, which rendered the chair economical for transport on cargo ships and therefore could reach a worldwide audience. The AX went into production in 1950 and eventually gave way to a series that featured tables and other seating.
Hvidt’s proclivity for forward-looking design was typical of the venturesome furniture makers of the mid-century modern era. This extended to textures and materials, too — he believed that a tasteful combination of materials could add character and visual intrigue. With Mølgaard-Nielsen, Hvidt designed streamlined coffee tables, rosewood chairs upholstered with sumptuous black leather and teak side tables with cane shelves (teak was a sought-after material for designers at the time).
The duo’s work with celebrated manufacturers Fritz Hansen, France & Søn and Søborg Møbelfabrik has been a part of exhibitions at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen’s Design Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Peter Hvidt seating, tables and case pieces.
- Peter & Molgaard Hvidt Rosewood SecretaryBy Peter Hvidt, Soborg MoblerLocated in Brooklyn, NYHandsome, masculine 6-drawer dresser with recessed pulls, topped with drop-front desk fitted with drawer and storage cubicles. On enameled metal legs with rosewood block feet. Retain...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
MaterialsSteel
- Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Secretary Desk in Solid TeakBy Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter HvidtLocated in San Diego, CAPeter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen drop front solid teak desk opens to drawers with beautiful dovetail joinery. The piece has three small drawers below and two larger drawers. Per...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsTeak
- Peter Løvig Nielsen Flip-Top Teak DeskBy Peter Løvig Nielsen, DanskLocated in Pasadena, TXPeter Løvig Nielsen Flip-Top teak desk for Dansk Designs circa 1970s Beautifully grained teak with unique flip top shelf flips down to extend the desk for more working space and...Category
Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsTeak
$5,600 Sale Price20% Off - Peter Lovig Mid Century Teak Executive DeskBy Peter Løvig NielsenLocated in Countryside, ILPeter Lovig Mid Century Teak Executive Desk This desk measures: 59.75 wide x 30.5 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearance of 27.5 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsTeak
- Peter Lovig Nielsen "Boomerang" Danish Modern DeskBy Peter Løvig NielsenLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLPeter Løvig Nielsen for Hedensted Møbelfabrik "Boomerang" Teak desk. Made in Denmark, 1960s. Stunning biomorphic shape. Raised edges with brass details. Drawers in the front and a ba...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsBrass
- Peter Hvidt Tambour SideboardBy Peter HvidtLocated in San Antonio, TXExtraordinary teak sideboard designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard for Soborg Mobelfabrik. It has been attributed based upon archival documentation.It has the signature finger joints...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsWood, Teak