Danish Mid-Century Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen Mahogany Executive Desk
View Similar Items
Danish Mid-Century Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen Mahogany Executive Desk
About the Item
- Creator:A. J. Iversen (Manufacturer),Ole Wanscher (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.25 in (74.3 cm)Width: 66.75 in (169.55 cm)Depth: 31.25 in (79.38 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Few red pen inscriptions inside drawers. Some sun fading. Few light scratches. Few small veneer nicks, one area of veneer damage to one top side edge.
- Seller Location:Norwalk, CT
- Reference Number:Seller: M1501stDibs: LU2916328801882
Ole Wanscher
A scholar and architect with the heart of an artist, Ole Wanscher helped define the functional, clean-cut style that formed the core of modern Danish furniture design. Influenced heavily by his world travels, Wanscher gained inspiration from English, Asian, Egyptian and traditional Shaker furniture, and he incorporated elements from these styles into his revered mid-century designs.
Wanscher’s deep respect for the use of traditional materials such as quality wood is reflected in his work, which is valued for being both beautiful and built to last. He was also a leader in the postwar “design for everyone” movement, creating many pieces intended for everyday life within the small confines of the average Danish household. Later, Wanscher became a prolific writer on the subject of furniture design. He is considered one of the most significant influences on the world of Scandinavian modernism.
The son of an art historian and a painter, Wanscher studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. From 1925 to 1927, Wanscher worked under the great Danish designer and professor Kaare Klint, who became one of the greatest stylistic influences on his output. Wanscher would go on to work as a professor at the academy from 1955 to 1973.
Wanscher founded his own furniture manufacturing company in 1929. Here he employed the top cabinetmakers of the day, most notably A.J. Iversen, with whom Wanscher collaborated for many years. While the workshop produced seductive handmade furniture with organic materials such as teak and mahogany, Wanscher intended to design durable seating, tables and more for the mass market — he was committed to making quality furniture available to a wider audience.
Of all of Wanscher’s designs, he is perhaps best known for his Colonial chair. This piece — which is part of a collection for Danish manufacturer P. Jeppesens that includes a sofa and a coffee table — exemplifies his penchant for combining minimalist design with traditional craftsmanship. Wanscher’s dining room tables, such as the Rungstedlund table, also epitomize the elegance of his work’s simple silhouettes and careful construction. These sleek tables serve as an ideal centerpiece for both modern and traditionally styled dining rooms, highlighting the versatility of Wanscher’s work.
Wanscher received a gold medal for his exemplary work at the 1960 Milan Triennale. He also received the Copenhagen Carpenters’ Guild Annual Award. Though Wanscher passed away in 1985, his iconic designs and scholarly writings remain relevant to this day.
Find vintage Ole Wanscher tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.
- Danish Mahogany Executive Writing Desk by Ole Wanscher, c. 1950'sBy Ole WanscherLocated in Norwalk, CTRich mahogany takes on a glowing, satin-like luminescence in this breathtaking and rare writing desk by Ole Wanscher. The simple form is perfectly proportioned, with elegant squared legs supporting two symmetrical pairs of dovetailed drawers, each topped by a handy brush slide with a recessed center - providing the perfect place to install a handy calendar, a slim pad of custom stationary, or a luxurious leather writing surface - whatever suits your needs! A third large brush slide on the reverse side of the desk pulls out to provide a convenient client work space. The top - which subtly overhangs the base - is finished with a luxuriously thick border of banded inlay, providing textural contrast which further enhances the natural beauty of the figured mahogany. Stately in its simplicity, this exquisite...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsWood
- Rare Mahogany Three-Drawer Chest by Ole Wanscher for A. J. Iversen, c. 1940'sBy Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Norwalk, CTEnrich your living space with this exceptional Danish Mid-Century chest of drawers, designed by the esteemed Ole Wanscher and crafted by A. J. Iversen in the 1940's. This rare find e...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWood
- Arne Vodder Danish Midcentury Teak Executive DeskBy Arne VodderLocated in Norwalk, CTA rare and exceptional Danish midcentury double sided executive desk designed by Arne Vodder, c. 1960s. After studying under Finn Juhl at the Royal Danish Academy of fine Arts in Cop...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsTeak
$5,120 Sale Price20% Off - Danish Mid-Century Teak Bow-Front Tallboy Chest Attributed to Ole WanscherBy Ole WanscherLocated in Norwalk, CTIntroducing an exquisite piece of Mid-Century design: a teak bow-front tallboy chest of drawers attributed to the masterful Ole Wanscher, crafted in Denmark around 1950-1960. This ic...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsTeak
- Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen Rungstedlund Series Sideboard in MahoganyBy Poul Jeppesen, Ole WanscherLocated in Norwalk, CTAn iconic piece of Danish design history, the Rungstedlund sideboard by Ole Wanscher is timeless in its exquisite luxury and minimalist silhouette. Produced by Poul Jeppesens Furnitu...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsWood
- Henning Kjaernulf Danish Mid-Century Oak DeskBy Henning KjærnulfLocated in Norwalk, CTGive your office some modern farmhouse flair with this Danish mid-century desk in carved oak by Henning Kjaernulf. Designed with Kjaernulf's characteristic amalgamation of Baroque-in...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsOak
- Ole Wanscher Desk in Mahogany for A. J. IversenBy A. J. Iversen, Ole WanscherLocated in Copenhagen, DKOle Wanscher desk in mahogany with two drawers. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
- Mid-Century Modern Ole Wanscher Rosewood Executive DeskBy A. J. Iversen, Ole WanscherLocated in Madrid, ESLarge executive desk designed by Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen. Denmark, 1960s. This Desk features a solid structure and and interesting set of drawers and storage space, including two small display shelves at the front. Ole Wanscher was a key player in Denmark's midcentury modern movement. In the postwar era, the simple and refined aesthetic he achieved by reinventing classic forms helped define Scandinavian design, and many of his pieces became staples in Scandinavian homes. Excellent vintage condition, the wood has its unique patina due to time and use though it's been fully refinished to bring the deep Rosewood colour...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsRosewood
- Ole Wanscher Freestanding Desk in Rosewood Made by A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen 1959By Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Odense, DKRare and important desk designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured at master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in 1959. Exhibited at the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild exhibition the same year. T...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsRosewood
- 1960s Ole Wanscher Mahogany DeskBy Ole WanscherLocated in Madrid, ESMahogany desk designed by Ole Wanscher in an excellent restored condition. Denmark, 1960s This desk was designed following the mid century design rule and aesthetic, using noble wo...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
- Black Polished Mahogany Writing Desk by Ole WanscherBy Ole WanscherLocated in Kastrup, DKOle Wanscher, Danish 1903-1985. Mid-century desk in black polished mahogany by Danish cabinetmaker and designer Ole Wanscher. Six drawers (2x3) with original brass handles and locks...Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Ole Wanscher Coffee Table, Mahogany, A. J. IversenBy Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Esbjerg, DKOle Wanscher coffee table of mahogany. Made by A. J. Iversen.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMahogany