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 Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern grandfather clock by Howard Miller, chrome and Lucite.
Metal
$5,240
H 86 in W 25 in D 14.5 in
Howard Miller “Presidential Collection” Triple-Chime Grandfather Clock
By Howard Miller
Located in Omaha, NE
An exceptional Howard Miller Presidential Collection grandfather clock featuring an ornate swan-neck bonnet, richly figured mahogany cabinetry, and a premium German Kieninger triple-...
Brass
Frederic Weinberg Grandfather Clock /Display Stand
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Frederic Weinberg Grandfather Clock with Display Shelves. Hard to find clock, and this one still retains its second hand! Items display on 3 levels. Working condition with great c...
Iron
$5,051
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
19th Century Long-Case Grandfather Clock, Sweden
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Swedish long-case clock with dry-scraped finish. This antique clock from Sweden, circa 1820s, is topped with a subtly raised and carved crest, atop a round-shaped head...
Wood
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
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
$1,931
H 92.52 in W 20.08 in D 9.85 in
Southern Jutland Grandfather Clock In Light Pine Wood From 1780s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique Southern Jutland grandfather clock from the 1780s. Light oak. H: 235 cm, W: 51 cm, D: 25 cm. Classic Danish grandfather clock. — Origin: Denmark, Southern Jutland — Period: ...
Pine
$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
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
$2,940
H 78.5 in W 19 in D 11 in
Howard Miller 68th Anniversary Grandfather Clock, Brass & Glass, 2003
By Howard Miller
Located in Omaha, NE
A finely crafted floor clock by Howard Miller, presented in a warm Windsor Cherry finish with traditional bonnet pediment and fluted columns. This example features the sought-after i...
Brass
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