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Peter Hvidt Canapes

Danish, 1916-1986

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.

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Creator: Peter Hvidt
Scandinavian 2-Seat Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
Scandinavian 2-Seat Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen

Scandinavian 2-Seat Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen

By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt

Located in Paris, FR

Scandinavian two-seat sofa Minerva by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Denmark. Teak structure with black leatherette upholstered seat and cushions. This vintage sofa can be tran...

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Canapes

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

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Peter Hvidt canapes for sale on 1stDibs.

Peter Hvidt canapes are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Peter Hvidt canapes, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original canapes by Peter Hvidt were created in the mid-century modern style in scandinavia during the 20th century. Prices for Peter Hvidt canapes can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,421 and can go as high as $5,268, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,844.