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Set of 2 Restored 'Penguin' Chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig, Denmark, c. 1960s

About the Item

Introducing a rare set of authentic 'Penguin' chairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig. First produced by Selig in 1953 these now iconic Danish Modern chairs are the epitome of Danish Modern Design. Featuring a plywood molded back, a thin metal frame and a generous seat reupholstered in a spirited heavy-knit, burnt orange fabric this set of Penguin chairs has recently received a caring and painstaking restoration in homage to the late great Larsen. The name 'Penguin' is derived from the playful, funky shape of the back of this chair. Thanks to its shape, sitting in the chair feels comfortable and ultra-supportive. This particular variant of the Penguin features a beech plywood seat back, stained walnut in accordance with the original tones released in the 1960's perfectly offsetting the eye-catching burnt orange fabric. Ib Kofod-Larsen was a venerated architect who formed part of a movement known as Danish Modern. Larsen was a purist and considered himself as more of an artisan than an architect or designer and his extensive catalog is proof of that. He was respected for having an exceptional understanding of materials and an eye for the potential of the wood and the quality of the raw materials he used. He often worked in different types of wood – mainly teak and palisander in combination with real leather. Today, Ib Kofod-Larsen is called one of the most underrated - but most exciting - names on the Danish design scene. He had a successful career in the 50s and 60s - when Danish design was flourishing across the world. He drew, sculpted, made prototypes, was involved in production and participated in the entire process down to every test and launch. He was a creative designer, maybe one of the greatest designers in the golden age of Danish design. He took an innovative approach. Not just to furniture, but to ways of thinking about furniture and this intention is on full display with this archetypal set of Penguin chairs. Perfect for designers and collectors alike searching for an authentic, vintage and Danish-made set of Penguin chairs that are in excellent shape and ready for a lifetime more of use. Ideal for both home and office settings this eye-catching set won't last long. Make them yours today before they're gone forever. ---Dimensions--- Width: 24 in / 60.96 cm Depth: 25 in / 63.5 cm Height: 29 in / 73.66 cm Seat Height: 15 in / 38.1 cm This iconic set of Penguin Chairs has recently undergone a comprehensive restoration process and we love the results. The bentwood backs, forged from beech wood and stained walnut show only minor repairs from where the previous owners had mistakenly drilled holes in the wrong location during a botched restoration attempt (shown in the detail photos provided). With that said there are no other scratches, stains or any other signs of damage whatsoever. The seats have been re-upholstered in a fabulous heavy knit, vintage feeling burnt orange polyester blend fabric that perfectly offset the black frames and walnut-stained beech woodgrains. Both seats feature new medium density foam for maximum comfort. The wrought iron frames have been professionally re-sprayed in an automotive-grade, single-stage polyurethane paint and show no damage whatsoever. This restored and reimagined set of Penguin chairs is incredibly comfortable, structurally sound and ready for a lifetime more of use thanks to their recent restoration process. Please view all photos and videos for details on this iconic set's current condition. We're limited on the amount of media we can post so additional photos and videos are available upon request.

Creator:

Ib Kofod-Larsen (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 25 in (63.5 cm)Seat Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)

Sold As:

Set of 2

Style:

Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Metal,Walnut

Place of Origin:

Denmark

Period:

1960-1969

Date of Manufacture:

1960

Condition:

Reupholstered. Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. please see the listing body for the full condition details.

Seller Location:

Deland, FL

Reference Number:

Seller: AM02185-21stDibs: LU7413238868012

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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.