Ole Wanscher, Danish Freestanding Desk Made by Fritz Hansen, "Model 1661", 1941
View Similar Items
Ole Wanscher, Danish Freestanding Desk Made by Fritz Hansen, "Model 1661", 1941
About the Item
- Creator:Ole Wanscher (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.73 in (75.5 cm)Width: 50.79 in (129 cm)Depth: 28.15 in (71.5 cm)
- Style:Art Deco (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1941
- Condition:Repaired: A restoration is made on the backside by a carpenter. Wear consistent with age and use. The top is later painted black.
- Seller Location:Odense, DK
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5686227881322
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.
- Swedish Modern Pine Desk, Axel Einar Hjorth Style, Made in the 1940sBy Axel Einar HjorthLocated in Odense, DKA charming pine desk, crafted by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the 1940s. The natural grain of the pine adds warmth and character to the desk, highlighting its authentic, time-worn appea...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Dining Room Tables
MaterialsPine
- Mid Century Wooden Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made in France, 1950sLocated in Odense, DKThis desk is a classic representation of mid-century design, crafted in France during the 1950s. Made from solid oak, it exudes strength and durability. Its minimalist yet impactful design incorporates elements of brutalism, featuring clean lines and geometric shapes. The natural grain of the oak wood adds warmth and character to the piece, while its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces. This desk is not only a functional workspace but also a timeless piece of furniture that adds a touch of vintage charm to any room. Honorable designers from this French era is: Charlotte Perriand...Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsOak
- Henning Kjærnulf, Mid Century Danish Rectangular Table in Oak, Made in 1960sBy Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup MøbelfabrikLocated in Odense, DKSuch a sculptural dining table in oak with two extensions. Designed by Henning Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Denmark 1960s. Beautiful details and functionality as either a dining t...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsOak
- Freestanding Desk in Solid Oak, by a Danish Cabinetmaker, Mid-Century, 1950sBy Henning Kjærnulf, Hans J. WegnerLocated in Odense, DKA refined mid-century freestanding desk in solid oak and with brass handles. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker in 1950s. Nice lines for this perfect office desk. Overall a great impression...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsOak
- French Sculptural Baroque Style Desk in Stained Pine, Early 20th CenturyLocated in Odense, DKA fabolous french baroque style freestanding desk in solid stained pined. Finely handcrafted in the first half of the 20th century. Decorative decadent carvings. This fine desk w...Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XIII Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsPine
- Scandinavian Modern, Table in Beech With Club Legs, Arnold Madsen, Made in 1940sBy Arnold Madsen, Philip ArctanderLocated in Odense, DKAn exclusive modern dining table / desk in solid beech with fine club shaped legs. Attributed to Danish designer Arnold Madsen with a strong referen...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Dining Room Tables
MaterialsBeech
- 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 Desk in Mahogany for A. J. IversenBy Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated 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
- Desk in Teak in Style of Ole Wanscher, Midcentury Danish Design, 1950sBy Ole WanscherLocated in Lejre, DKDesk in teak designed and made in Denmark 1950s. Great original condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- 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