Name: Ib Kofod-Larsen Extremely Large Set of Penguin Chairs
Brand: Ib Kofod-Larsen
Price: 2200 USD
Availability: InStock

Ib Kofod-Larsen Extremely Large Set of Penguin Chairs

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About the Item

Ib Kofod-Larsen, set of 36 'Penguin' chairs, walnut, steel, metal, Denmark, design 1953, production 1960s. This is an extremely large set of 'Penguin' chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen. The chair was first taken into production by Selig in 1953. The chairs are always built up of a plywood molded back, a thin metal frame and a generous seat. The chairs have become a true icon over time. Interestingly enough, the provenance of this set is also outstanding as they come direct from a Quincy Jones interior. The name Penguin is derived from the playful, funky shape of the back of this chair. It is as if a little penguin is about to embrace you when you sit down, and in fact this is how it feels to sit on the chair, comfortable and embracing. This particular variant of the Penguin features a walnut back and a tweed seat. This combination is luxurious and works very well for this strong piece. If you wish to reupholster this set please do not hesitate to ask as we have our own in-house upholstery studio that can provide you with unlimited options such as leather or COM. Ib Kofod-Larsen (1921-2003) was a Danish furniture designer who studied at the Danish Royal Academy in Copenhagen. After his degree, he quickly became recognized. As he won several prices of which one from the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild. It was this price that led to the collaboration between manufacturer Faarup Møbelfabrik, and Kofod-Larsen. Later, he also collaborated with other manufacturers such as High Wycombe and Christensen & Larsen. His designs are recognized by the use of rich, durable materials such as rosewood, teak and the highest quality leather. He is known for enhancing these noble materials by means of his aesthetics, leaving the form, grain or other characteristics to speak for themselves. His most praised designs are all elegant, sculpted pieces such as the U-56 Elizabeth chair. Please note that these chairs are priced per item, not for the set. But of course it is possible to buy a smaller set than 36, for instance 4 or 6. Provenance: Quincy A. Jones interior, San Francisco

Creator:
Ib Kofod-Larsen (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 32.09 in (81.5 cm)Width: 21.86 in (55.5 cm)Depth: 23.43 in (59.5 cm)Seat Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)
Style:
Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Fabric,Steel,Walnut
Place of Origin:
Denmark
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
1960-1969
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Waalwijk, NL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU933112115231

Shop All Ib Kofod-Larsen

Ib Kofod-Larsen

Furniture maker and architect Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of the greatest design minds to emerge from mid-century Denmark, and his impact was felt across the world, especially in the United States. Kofod-Larsen, who is known for his exemplary seating, tables and storage solutions, understood that the attention to detail, quality materials and functional design ethos of the Scandinavian modernism style he followed would become part of a major international movement.

Due to his foresight and innovation, Kofod-Larsen was one of the best-selling Danish designers in the U.S. in the 1950s, when mid-century modernism was at its most popular.

Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kofod-Larsen later studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and was most interested in designing practical yet graceful furniture, although he also dabbled in things like wallpaper and textiles. He favored natural grains and woods like teak and rosewood combined with leather, steel and fabric upholsteries to create inviting pieces. Working with manufacturers such as Faarup Møbelfabrik, Christensen & Larsen and Bovenkamp, he brought his sculptural aesthetic to the world.

Some of his seating designs have earned legendary status: The U-56 chair (1956) was renamed the Elizabeth because England’s Queen Elizabeth II is said to have picked up a pair during a 1958 trip to Denmark. With OPE Möbler, he created the Seal chair (1956) with a wooden frame shaped around leather upholstery. The sculptural Penguin chair (1953), produced by Selig and named for its curved back, became Denmark’s most frequently exported piece of furniture to the U.S. at the time. Its bentwood shell echoes the work of Kofod-Larsen’s modernist contemporaries Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, while its options as a dining, lounging and rocking chair offer versatility for the home.

As mid-century modern furniture experiences a fresh wave of popularity in the U.S. — although, one could argue that it never really went away — Kofod-Larsen’s timeless pieces are among the most coveted vintage finds. Several of his designs continue to be produced, such as the Penguin chair, which has been manufactured by Brdr. Petersen since 2012.

Find vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture today on 1stDibs.