The giant of mid-century furniture design France & Søn began its remarkable journey as a Danish firm specializing in the production and exporting of Scandinavian design called France & Daverkosen.
British businessman Charles William Fearnley France and Danish cabinetmaker Eric Daverkosen entered into a joint venture in 1936 — France being the investor and Daverkosen the head designer for their small mattress factory. Soon after production started at the France & Daverkosen company, Daverkosen became quite ill.
Concerned for his friend and their fledgling business, France traveled to Denmark, and Daverkosen died soon after his partner arrived. While France was attempting to make arrangements to transfer the company into his hands, World War II erupted, and Germany invaded Denmark. As a British citizen, France was captured and sent to a prison camp in Germany.
While in captivity, France developed several manufacturing ideas to pass the time and to keep his mind focused. He imagined a way to create lightweight wooden chairs that could be manufactured on an industrial scale and transported using an economic flat-pack format. He also thought of a way to retool his mattress factory to create chair backs, seats and sofa cushions.
Once freed, France returned to his business in Denmark and began to manufacture beech and teak goods that were gaining widespread acclaim around the world. He began to surround himself with some of the best Scandinavian designers of the time: Finn Juhl, Grete Jalk and Ole Wanscher, to name a few.
By 1954, France & Daverkosen accounted for 60 percent of all Danish furniture exports and their factory employed 350 people. Charles’s son James joined the company in 1957, which resulted in the name change to France & Søn.
Later, France & Søn was acquired by Danish designer Poul Cadovius, who folded it into the operations at CADO, a company he founded during the 1950s.
On 1stDibs, find France & Daverkosen seating, tables and more.
Arne Vodder 2-Seater Sofa, Model Fd 161, Reupholstered in Bouclé, 1950s
By Arne Vodder, France & Daverkosen
Located in Odense, DK
A fine example of a Danish modern 2-seater sofa in solid beech, reupholstered cushions in white bouclé. Designed by Arne Vodder for France & Daverkosen in 1950s, Denmark. A classic...
Bouclé, Beech
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed Sofa France & Søn
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen, France & Søn
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Daybed vom dänischen Hersteller France & Søn / France & Daverkosen aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa wurde von Peter Hvidt & Orl...
Teak
Arne Vodder Sofa in Patinated Cognac Leather
By Arne Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder for Ivan Schlechter, sofa, patinated leather, teak, Denmark, design 1953, manufactured late 1950s-1960s. Elegant two-seat settee in admirable cognac leather and teak by ...
Leather, Teak
$8,933 / set
H 32.68 in W 74.81 in D 29.93 in
Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, 1960s
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern Minerva corner sofa set. Design by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid ...
Chrome
1960s Arne Vodder 3-Seat Sofa for France & Søn, Denmark
By Arne Vodder, France & Søn
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly re-upholstered original springs pillows - The wooden parts have been refurbished.
Fabric, Wood
Original 1950s Danish 3-Seat Sofa or Daybed
Located in Markington, GB
1950s Danish 3-seat sofa or daybed Lovely 1950s part wood framed sofa in very good condition, it has blanket storage underneath and folds down into a very useful daybed Measure...
Fabric, Teak
Red Mohair Sofa and Convertible Daybed, 1950s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Dramatic mid-century red mohair sofa that converts to a daybed in a great size. Asymmetric with dog-bone shape, a popular style in the 1950s.
Mohair, Wood
$16,551
H 32.29 in W 106.3 in D 82.68 in
Danish Design Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen Teak, 1950
By France & Daverkosen, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Extremely rare & stunning! This fully original ''Minerva seating group'' by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen 1950. The design & luxurious feeling of this set are just superb. The combination of teak, rattan, wool & chrome are breathtaking. It looks stunning from any angle with the minimalist teak & chrome backrests so you can place it in the center of your room. The set has its original finish & original padded wool upholstery in grey/green. which remains in amazing condition! The FD516 coffee table...
Chrome
$8,000
H 32 in W 80 in D 30 in
Teak & Cane "FD" Sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make your living room the envy of the neighborhood with this breathtaking teak & rattan sofa designed by legendary Scandinavian Modern duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. ...
Brass
$3,200
H 32.75 in W 55.5 in D 29 in
Danish Mid Century Modern Sofa by Arne Vodder for France and Daverkosen FD - 161
By France & Daverkosen, Arne Vodder
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, stylish and rare Mid Century Danish Modern sofa by Arne Vodder for France and Daverkersen, model FD - 161 made in Denmark circa 1950's. This example is in very good, ...
Upholstery, Teak
$5,943
H 29.53 in W 84.65 in D 31.11 in
Sofa / Daybed "Minerva" by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen France & Søn, 60s
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Sofa daybed from the 1960s by France and Søn made of teakwood. This piece is featuring two cushioned armrests. The piece has been restored and covered with a light grey fabric "Halli...
Wool, Teak
$6,500
H 31 in W 100.5 in D 30 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Minerva Daybed Sofa France and Sons Denmark
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage Rare Extra Long Danish modern Minerva Daybed Sofa. Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart circa 1960's. Beautiful sleek Mid Century Design. Rare extra long size...
Teak
$3,895
H 29.5 in W 64.25 in D 31 in
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Mid Century Teak and Cane Daybed
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Mid Century Teak and Cane Daybed This daybed measures: 64.25 wide x 31 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 25.2...
Upholstery, Cane, Teak
$4,645
H 32.68 in W 75.6 in D 29.93 in
Minerva Sofa / Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen in Teak, 1950s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Halle, DE
Iconic Minerva sofa by renowned Danish design duo Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1950s. Manufactured by France & Daverkosen (later France & Son). The sofa impresses with its so...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 33.86 in W 106.3 in D 78.75 in
Minerva seating group by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Dave
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, Peter Hvidt, France & Daverkosen
Located in Ranst, VAN
A stunning Minerva seating group designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Daverkosen. The set includes a teak corner coffee table and three seater sofa and a tw...
Fabric, Wool, Teak
France & Daverkosen daybed MINERVA
By France & Daverkosen
Located in Aachen, DE
France & Daverkosen daybed MINERVA Design: Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Massiv Teak, vor 1957 (ab da hieß die Firma France & Son), im Originalzustand. Polsterung original mi...
Teak
Sold
H 30.32 in W 80.71 in D 30.32 in
Danish Modern Minerva Teak Daybed by Hvidt & Mølgaard for France & Søn, 1960s.
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Minerva Teak Daybed by Hvidt & Mølgaard for France & Søn, 1960s. Elegant Danish Mid-Century Modern daybed or sofa model FD 417 designed by Danish architects Peter Hvidt og Orla Mølgaard...
Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen "Minerva" Teak Sofa, 1960
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful daybed / sofa model FD 417 'Minerva' by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son, Denmark, 1960s with original spring core seat and back cushions, in original w...
Metal
Danish Daybed Minerva by Peter Hvidt for France & Daverkosen
By Peter Hvidt, France & Daverkosen
Located in Miami, FL
This Minerva FD 417 sofa was designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced in the 1950s by France & Daverkosen (later renamed France & Son) in Denmark. It is made of s...
Steel
Sold
H 16.54 in W 74.81 in D 30.32 in
Danish Vintage "Minerva" Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1950s
By Peter Hvidt, France & Daverkosen
Located in Renens, CH
An original mid-century Danish “Minerva” daybed designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, originating from the early 1950s from when France & Son...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 78.75 in D 29.93 in
Scandinavian Midcentury Sofa or Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen
Located in Karlstad, SE
Stunning three-seat sofa or daybed model "Minerva" by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Denmark. The sofa has a frame made of teak with chrome details. Condition: The frame is in very good original condition and features new cushions around the original metal inner springs. The cushions have been reupholstered by 1st Modern...
Chrome
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Daybed, Model FD451
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Madrid, ES
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen daybed, model FD451, with teak frame and tapered legs. Produced by France & Daverkosen, circa 1960s. The daybed has fold-d...
Linen, Wicker, Teak
Sold
H 33.47 in W 49.22 in L 33.47 in
Minerva 2-Seat Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son
By France & Daverkosen
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Minerva 2-seat sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son. Very good vintage condition.
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 31 in W 75.18 in D 30 in
Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielson Danish Teak Daybed "Minerva" Sofa
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen
Located in Peabody, MA
Daybed teak "Minerva" sofa designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielson for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, circa 1950s. Original Danish flat-weave upholstery in wonderfully prese...
Upholstery, Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Daybed, circa 1960
By France & Daverkosen, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Paris, FR
Nice 3-seat daybed / sofa designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for the Danish manufacturer France & Daverkosen, 1960s. Newly upholstered with a Hallingdal wool fabric f...
Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 74.81 in D 30.32 in
Minerva Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen
By France & Daverkosen, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful three-seat sofa designed by the Danish duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen and produced by the famous Danish producer France and Daverkosen. The sofa, called Minerva,...
Teak