Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, Arne Hovmand-Olsen created furnishings that boasted all of the alluring qualities now associated with vintage Scandinavian modern design. The esteemed Danish designer favored high-quality teak, oak and rosewood for his sideboards, chairs and dining tables. Elsewhere, Hovmand-Olsen’s side tables and credenzas feature elegant organic curves and tapered legs, while his graceful armchairs and dining chairs are characterized by slender frames and sculptural seat backs.
From an early age Hovmand-Olsen showed an interest in drawing and an aptitude for design. In 1938, he began his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker under Peder Olsen Sibast, the founder of Sibast furniture company. Owing largely to the creative direction of Peder’s son, designer Helge Sibast, during the mid-century era, the manufacturer is internationally revered today for its wide range of sleek and collectible modern furniture.
In 1941, Hovmand-Olsen enrolled in a technical school to study furniture design, and opened his own workshop shortly after graduating. He created a range of furnishings for such notable manufacturers as Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Elven Geertsen and Jutex. He found success in Denmark, but attained even greater notability when he began selling his work in America.
Mid-century-era design from this region of the world — including objects like Arne Jacobsen’s Egg chair, Alvar Aalto’s undulating Savoy vase and Tapio Wirkkala’s leaf-shaped birch-laminate tray — took off in the States after the Second World War, when Scandinavia’s simple, curvilinear wooden furniture, home goods and textiles suddenly seemed the perfect foil for glass-and-steel skyscrapers.
Hovmand-Olsen closed his workshop during the 1970s. Today his work is widely collected by enthusiasts of mid-century Scandinavian modern furniture.
Find vintage Arne Hovmand-Olsen seating, tables, storage pieces and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Grandfather Clock 1965 in Teak
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Arne Hovmand-Olsen, conical shaped Grandfarher clock 1965. With brass hands and brass hour marks. Inside with shelfes. Made in teak.
Brass
Scottish Grandfather Clock
Located in New York, NY
Scottish Grandfather clock: Clock face painted with settings of the Fair Maid of Perth during the four seasons. Measures: 21" x 9" x 76" Weighs: 50 Lbs.
Wood
Modern Grandfather Clock by Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern grandfather clock by Howard Miller, chrome and Lucite.
Metal
19th Century Swedish Green Mora Grandfather Clock
Located in Round Top, TX
19th-century Swedish Mora grandfather clock with original pine long case. The original mint green painted finish has been gently scraped, revealing a soft, warm patina beneath, with ...
Pine, Paint
Art Deco Walnut Grandfather Clock 1930s
Located in Dereham, GB
Art Deco Walnut Grandfather Clock 1930s 3 Train Movement, Westminster Chimes, Part Chimes & Gong on Every Quarter hour, Chimes On Every Hour Or silent if wished Recently Serviced Ca...
Walnut
$4,981
H 87.01 in W 30.71 in D 8.67 in
19th Century Swedish Rococo tall case clock Mora clock Grandfather clock
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish antique beautiful Mora clock " Tall case clock " Grandfather clock from Boden,Norrbotten Northern Sweden. The Mora clock is original painted. It has a lovely b...
Pine
Howard Miller Mahogany Case Grandfather Clock
By Howard Miller
Located in Astoria, NY
Howard Miller Carved Mahogany Case Grandfather Clock, Ambassador Collection, Model # 611-132, Serial # MF 1230290087, Movement # 354616. 91" H x 30" W x 18" D. Provenance: From an ...
Brass
18th Century German Grandfather Clock
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid 18th century walnut wood framed German 8-Day Grandfather clock. The tall case clock featured a dark walnut case with flared base, hood with half-columns and turned finials. Iron ...
Brass
Antique English Mahogany Grandfather Clock, circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
8 bells and gongs, this is a magnificent clock in every aspect of its construction.
Mahogany
Mini Grandfather Clock Mahogany Sheraton Inlay 1930
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Cute mini Grandfather Clock which stands in at 19 inches tall - 49 CM Very well crafted from mahogany with satinwood inlay in the Sheraton manne...
Wood
$4,395
H 81 in W 20.5 in D 13.5 in
Wai Hing Clocks Co. Chinoiserie Lacquer German Tempus Fugit Grandfather Clock
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Wai Hing Clocks Co. Chinossorie Black Lacquer Hand-Painted Mother of Pearl inlaid German Movement Tempus Fugit Grandfather Clock This black lacquer grandfather clock...
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
Léon Jallot, Oak Grandfather Clock, France, 1910
By Léon Jallot
Located in New York, NY
An magnificent clock with a floral motif dating from the early 20th century, and created by master ebeniste Le´on Jallot. For an illustration of a similar model, see: Duncan, Alasta...
Oak
European Grandfather Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Self standing European large clock, at moment dos not shows the good time. Fantastic patina, sign on the bottom part, we purchase the clock in Italy but we can not determinate the si...
Metal
Sold
H 73 in W 19.25 in D 11.5 in
Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Midcentury Mahogany Grandfather Clock, Denmark, C. 1965
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in New York, NY
Olsen's remarkable mahogany grandfather clock, which rests upon a base shaped like a pair of devilish horns, doubles, with its numerous interior shelves, as a case piece. This mar...
Mahogany