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Vilhelm Lauritzen Armchairs

Danish, 1894-1984

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.

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Creator: Vilhelm Lauritzen
Acton Bjørn & Vilhelm Lauritzen Armchair Produced by Willy Back in Denmark
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Acton Bjørn
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Very rare armchair attributed to Acton Bjørn & Vilhelm Lauritzen. Produced by cabinetmaker Willy beck in Denmark.
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen Armchairs

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Vilhelm Lauritzen armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Vilhelm Lauritzen armchairs 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 Vilhelm Lauritzen armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Vilhelm Lauritzen were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in scandinavia during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by A.P. Stolen, Jacob Kjær, and Ib Kofod-Larsen. Prices for Vilhelm Lauritzen armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $21,685 and can go as high as $21,685, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $21,685.

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