Vilhelm Lauritzen, Desk, Brass, Mahogany, Radiohuset, Denmark, 1945
About the Item
- Creator:Vilhelm Lauritzen (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 78.5 in (199.39 cm)Depth: 45 in (114.3 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1945
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Lightly restored. Bears patina. One leg with a repaired crack near the top.
- Seller Location:High Point, NC
- Reference Number:
Vilhelm Lauritzen
One of the most significant architects in Denmark’s history and a pioneer of Danish functionalism in Scandinavian, mid-century modern furniture, Vilhelm Lauritzen maintained a lifelong belief that design is an art for the people.
Born in the town of Slagelse in 1894, Lauritzen had an early interest in architecture and design. He graduated from the Sorø Akademi in 1912 and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1922. That year, Lauritzen founded the Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects studio.
Travel to Spain, Greece and throughout Central Europe influenced his architectural work. His first major project was in 1928, when he designed the Daell’s Department Store in Copenhagen. Subsequent notable design projects included the Nørrebro Theater in 1931, the Radiohuset building in 1936 and Copenhagen Airport’s first terminal in 1939, inspired by Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier.
Although architecture was among Lauritzen’s chief passions — he was also an avid lepidopterist — he was keenly interested in the furnishings of his projects, designing everything from chairs and settees to door handles and ashtrays. His influential creations include the iconic VL 38 “Radiohus” table and the VL 45 “Radiohus” pendant light — a powerful downward light that provides a gentle illumination through handblown, white opal glass. Both were designed for Danish furniture manufacturer Louis Poulsen in collaboration with Danish designer Finn Juhl. Vilhelm Lauritzen’s lamps and wall sconces, which have obliquely angled lamp heads, were likewise designed in partnership with Poulsen for the Radiohuset building in the 1930s.
Lauritzen remained active in his studio until 1969, overseeing numerous architecture projects in the 1950s, such as the Shellhuset building, Folkets Hus — known today as the VEGA concert hall — and the Danish Embassy in Washington, DC.
Lauritzen died in 1984. His legacy lives on with Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects still operating in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district, and his elegant lamps remain in production by Louis Poulsen.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen lighting, seating, tables and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: West Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Vilhelm Lauritzen, Pair of Pendants, Brass, Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1950sBy Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm LauritzenLocated in High Point, NCA set of 3 brass pendants designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and produced by Louis Poulsen, Denmark, c. 1950s. Pendants sold without canopy. Sockets take standard E-26 medium base b...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
- Vilhelm Lauritzen, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1950sBy Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis PoulsenLocated in High Point, NCA two-light sconce / wall light designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and produced by Louis Poulsen, Denmark, c. 1950s. Dimensions of back plate (inches) : 2.96 x 2.96 x 0.12 (H x W x D).Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
- Vilhelm Lauritzen, Pendant Lights, Metal, Denmark, 1950sBy Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm LauritzenLocated in High Point, NCA pair of white lacquered metal pendant lights designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and produced by Louis Poulsen, Denmark, c. 1950s. Dimensions of canopy (inches): N/A Socket takes standa...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Martin Nyrop, Desk, Oak, Brass, Denmark, c. 1900By Martin NyropLocated in High Point, NCAn oak and brass desk, designed and produced for the Copenhagen City Hall by Martin Nyrop Denmark, c. 1900Category
Antique Early 1900s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Severin Hansen, Desk, Teak, Brass, Denmark, 1960sBy Severin Hansen, Haslev MobelsnedkeriLocated in High Point, NCA teak and brass desk designed by Severin Hansen and produced by Haslev, Denmark, c. 1960s.Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Luther Conover, Desk, Mahogany, Iron, USA, 1950sBy Luther ConoverLocated in High Point, NCA mahogany and black-painted iron desk designed by Luther Conover and produced by Luther Conover Inc. USA, 1950sCategory
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsIron
- Rare desk in mahogany with two drawers by Vilhelm WohlertBy Arne Poulsen Cabinetmaker Denmark, Vilhelm WohlertLocated in Copenhagen, DKRare desk in mahogany with two drawers and feet. Designed in 1958 by Vilhelm Wohlert for cabinetmaker Arne Poulsen. NOTE: Restoration of the desk is included within the price.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
- Danish Cabinetmaker 1940s Mahogany DeskLocated in London, GBDanish cabinetmaker - 1940s writing desk This exceptional, minimalist desk was produced in Denmark in the 1940s by an anonymous cabinetmaker and ...Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany, Oak
- Desk and Chair, Germany, 1945Located in Catonvielle, FRDesk and chair in solid beech, Germany 1945. This furniture was intended for French officers stationed in Germany immediately after the war. Folk Art style, this set is one of the fe...Category
Vintage 1940s German Country Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBeech
- Art Deco Desk in Mahogany, Danish Design, 1950sLocated in Lejre, DKGreat Looking desk in mahogany, designed and made by Danish Cabinetmaker 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
- Rare Harvey Probber Brass and Mahogany DeskBy Harvey ProbberLocated in Hanover, MAHarvey Probber mahogany writing desk with white laminate top with solid brass tubular legs and solid brass flat bar stretchers. Left side oriented three drawer case with original ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsBrass
- Smaller Danish Lady’s writing desk in mahogany with drawers and brass detailsBy Fritz Hansen, Ole WanscherLocated in DKThis smaller Danish modern writing desk was designed ca. 1950 by Danish architect Ole Wanscher (1903-1985) and executed by manufacturer Fritz Hansen, Denmark. The model number is 178...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
