Items Similar to Illum Wikkelsø "V11" Brown Leather Sofa for Holger Christiansen, Denmark 1960s
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 20
Illum Wikkelsø "V11" Brown Leather Sofa for Holger Christiansen, Denmark 1960s
About the Item
This freestanding sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø. The Danish designer created the “V11” series in 1965 whilst working with master cabinetmaker Holger Christiansen in Aarhus.
Wikkelsø’s three-seater sofa combines a rectangular shape and long lines with rounded out edges. The low back and deep seat give the sofa a modern and elegant look. The solid wood legs are cone-shaped and tapered with straight lines. This contrasts nicely to the otherwise less strict lines that characterize the design. The three loose seat cushions add a lot of depth to the look and highlight the leather’s unique texture and patine, while also guaranteeing sitting comfort. Along with the cushions, the sides, back- and armrests are upholstered in a brown-green leather with beautiful patina.
The sofa was manufactured by Danish manufacturer Holger Christiansen Møbelfabrik in Aarhus in the 1960s. The leather is in a desirable vintage condition. This model has a good sense of balance and a classic look, which makes it a timeless design.?
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The leather has heavy patina with some marks. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
91.33 in W x 31.88 in D x 26.77 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
232 cm W x 81 cm D x 68 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
Literature:
300 Danske Designmøbler By Per H. Hansen and Klaus Petersen. 2015. Unpaginated.
About the designer:
Kristian Illum Wikkelsø (1919-1999), by his full name, is best known for his seating designs. Like most Danish designers at the time, Wikkelsø trained as a carpenter until 1938 and then followed in the footsteps of many of his later colleagues and continued his studies at the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts, graduating in 1941.
In 1944, Wikkelsø moved to Århus to work as an interior designer He was then employed at the carpentry master and architect Jacob Kjær's drawing room and then at Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen’s architectural firm, where he worked until 1954. The same year, Illum Wikkelsø began designing his own furniture and a few years later, he established his own workshop. A number of Danish manufacturers produced Wikkelsø’s designs, such as C.F. Christensen, Holger Christiansen and Søren Willadsen.
Like many of his Danish contemporaries, including Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, and Hans Wegner, Wikkelsø’s designs emphasize formal simplicity and biomorphic silhouettes. Wikkelsø’s background in cabinetry engendered in him a profound understanding of materials and an excellent attention to detail. Working with teak and rosewood, he captured delicately sculptural forms. Wikkelsø believed that furniture should be built to last while cradling the body and pleasing the eye.
Though little biographical information survives, the quality of Illum Wikkelsø’s designs affirms his status as an active proponent of Scandinavian modernism in the post-war era. ~H.
- Creator:Illum Wikkelsø (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 26.78 in (68 cm)Width: 91.34 in (232 cm)Depth: 31.89 in (81 cm)Seat Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. The leather has heavy patina with some marks. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
- Seller Location:Utrecht, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: 202316901stDibs: LU2947334433942
Illum Wikkelsø
The work of furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø wholly embodies the spirit of Scandinavian modernism. With their organic forms and wealth of angles inspired by the Danish countryside, his vintage lounge chairs, sofas and other seating pieces offer ergonomic comfort and lasting visual appeal.
Born Kristian Illum Wikkelsø and raised in a town near Faaborg, Denmark, the designer grew up around carpentry and cabinetmaking. He apprenticed with a cabinetmaker in his teens and enrolled in classes at the Technical Society School in Copenhagen as well as the Danish School of Arts & Crafts. At the latter, Wikkelsø studied under Kaare Klint, an architect and designer widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture.
After completing his studies, Wikkelsø went on to work with famed Danish architect and furniture maker Jacob Kjær. After a time with Kjær, he moved on. He went to work for designer and architect Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen at Hvidt & Mølgaard, a firm established by Mølgaard-Nielsen — Wikkelsø’s former instructor at the Technical Society School — and Peter Hvidt that yielded more than 250 designs and lasted over 30 years.
In 1954, Wikkelsø opened his own design studio in Aarhus, Denmark. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he made quite a name for himself, with designs that were new and innovative to the industry at the time. He created furniture for Holger Christiansen and secured commissions from the Danish government. While he’s likely best known today for his inviting teak and leather lounge chairs or slender rosewood dining chairs, some of Wikkelsø’s 1960s-era lounge chairs merged Danish craftsmanship and Pop art with their unconventionally shaped chrome frames and vibrantly colored upholstery.
Wikkelsø passed away in 1999, but collectors around the world continue to prize his outstanding designs.
Find vintage Illum Wikkelsø tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are highly rated and consistently exceed customer expectations.
1stDibs seller since 2017
403 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 6 hours
Associations
20th Century Specialists
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Utrecht, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllIllum Wikkelsø Model V11 Leather Sofa for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Utrecht, NL
This freestanding sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø. The Danish designer created the “V11” series in 1965 whilst working...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
Leather "V12" Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen, Denmark 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Utrecht, NL
Danish furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø believed that furniture should be built to last, to indulge the body and to please the eye. He belonged to a group of designers who represent...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
“Model V11” Three-Seater Leather Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Utrecht, NL
This free-standing sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø. The Danish designer created the “V11” series in 1965 whilst workin...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
Leif Hansen "Model 62" Sofa for Kronen Møbelfabrikken, Denmark, 1960s
By Kronen, Leif Hansen
Located in Utrecht, NL
Leif Hansen’s Model 62 sofa is commonly referred to as the “Geisha” and was designed in 1959. This model is a strikingly elegant example of Danish modernism’s streamlined, luxurious aesthetic appeal to contemporary eyes.
This three-seater sofa is made of two types of exotic woods and dressed in a premium light fabric. Its character is created by three main elements: the visually sectioned, fully upholstered body, the wooden accents on the arms, and the distinctively shaped legs. It says a lot when a model is representative not only of a designer, but also of a manufactory. So is the case with this Geisha sofa...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Three-Seater Sofa with Carved Oak Frame, Denmark ca 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Utrecht, NL
Danish modern design was originally developed in the mid-20th century and was influenced by the German Bauhaus school. Drawing on the Scandinavian tradition of quality craftsmanship,...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Oak
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Samsas” is for many the most associated series with Carl Malmsten. The designer devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by Swedish country man...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
You May Also Like
Illum Wikkelsø V11 Sofa by Holger Christiansen
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored V11 sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø. The original birch legs have been refinished and the sofa has been reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Lush / Dusk thick velvet....
Category
Vintage 1960s Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Danish Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s Leather
By Hans J. Wegner, Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Berlin, DE
Very beautiful two-seat sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Holger Christiansen in the 1960s in Denmark.
The sofa is in an great original condition with just little trac...
Category
20th Century Danish Sofas
Materials
Leather
Illum Wikkelsø, Leather Sofa for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Paris, FR
Nice loveseat free-standing sofa Model V12 upholstered in light brown patinated leather, tapered Brazilian rosewood legs.
This very beautiful two-seat sofa was designed by Illum Wikk...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Model V11 Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
Danish Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Berlin, DE
Very beautiful lounge chair designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Holger Christiansen in the 1960s in Denmark.
The lounge chair comes with a beautifully patinated brown leather...
Category
20th Century Danish Sofas
Materials
Leather
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Model Croissant Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model croissant designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Sofa Round Sides
Leather Low Couch
Low Leather Sofa
1960 Danish Teak Sofa
Danish Cabinetmakers Sofa
Cabinetmaker Sofa Denmark
1960s Long Couch
1960s Long Sofa
House Of Denmark Couch
House Of Denmark Sofas
Sculptural Leather Sofa
1960s Danish Couch Teak
Couch Danish Green
Green Danish Sofa
Leather Teak Couch
Modern Sofa Leather Rosewood
Rosewood And Leather Couch
Green Round Sofa