Midcentury Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Daverkosen
View Similar Items
Midcentury Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Daverkosen
About the Item
- Creator:Grete Jalk (Designer),France & Daverkosen (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 29.53 in (75 cm)Depth: 78.75 in (200 cm)Seat Height: 17.33 in (44 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950-1960
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Light wear with Patina consistent with age and use. Slight signs of wear on the wood in the form of discoloration, scratches and bumps. Some signs of wear and spots on the upholstery fabric. Seating is rather soft. Partly restored and reglued.
- Seller Location:Munich, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4696214545102
Grete Jalk
What would the reputation of mid-century Danish furniture be without legendary female designer Grete Jalk? A pioneer of Scandinavian modernism, Jalk sought to craft furniture that was both cost-efficient and high in quality, each piece made for the evolving interiors and design sensibilities of the day. She continues to be celebrated for her sleek and minimal armchairs, lounge chairs, coffee tables and more.
Jalk was born in 1920 in Copenhagen. She studied at the Drawing and Applied Art School for Women before enrolling at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where famed designer Kaare Klint was among her instructors. Jalk completed her studies in 1946 and began a cabinetmaker apprenticeship. That same year, she won an award at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild competition. Jalk also participated in the 1951 Milan Triennial exhibition, where her designs earned more acclaim and attention.
In 1954, Jalk opened her own design studio and began working with major Danish furniture manufacturers like Fritz Hansen and Glostrup Møbelfabrik. She found inspiration in plywood experiments carried out by Alvar Aalto and Ray and Charles Eames, and she quickly became known for her pared-back, expressive designs, which touted fluid forms and were made of alluring woods such as teak and rosewood.
Jalk’s best-known work is the 1963 GJ chair, a collaboration with cabinetmaker Poul Jeppesen that won first place in the Daily Mail International Furniture Competition. Made of two pieces of molded teak plywood, the sculptural GJ lounge chair is part of the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art.
While creating her iconic furniture designs, Jalk wore many other hats. She taught at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and served as an editor of the Danish design magazine Mobilia from 1956–62 and 1968–74. In 1974, Jalk curated a traveling design exhibition for the Danish Foreign Ministry and was named a member of the Danish Design Council in 1981. She was also the editor of 40 Years of Danish Furniture Design: The Copenhagen Cabinet-makers' Guild Exhibitions 1927–1966, published in 1987.
Jalk passed away in 2006 at the age of 86. In 2008, Danish furniture manufacturer Lange Production was granted exclusive rights to reproduce the GJ chair, a design as fresh and original today as ever.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Grete Jalk seating, tables and storage pieces.
- Grete Jalk Sofa in Teak for France & Daverkosen Danish Mid-CenturyBy Grete Jalk, France & DaverkosenLocated in Chicago, ILGrete Jalk sofa for France & Daverkosen Denmark, circa 1955 Teak frame, upholstery. Measures: 80.5" W x 30.5" D x 32" H 'John Stuart Inc' distributors label attached to inte...Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Teak
- Scandinavian Modern Teak Sofa after Grete JalkBy Grete Jalk, France & DaverkosenLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis Scandinavian modern teak sofa after Grete Jalk features stylish Mid-Century Modern design, iconic sculpted seat back, and rich vintage teak finish. Vintage upholstered cushions ...Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsTeak
$1,960 Sale Price38% Off - Mid Century Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Søn, C1950sBy Grete JalkLocated in Chino Hills, CAJust in: Exquisite 1950s Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Søn - Refinished and Newly Reupholstered! Capture the essence of mid-century elegance with this stunning teak sofa, a timeless masterpiece designed by the renowned Danish designer Grete Jalk for France & Søn. Imbued with the sophistication and grace of the 1950s, this exceptional piece has been meticulously restored, refinished, and newly reupholstered to bring it back to its original splendor. Crafted from high-quality teak wood, this sofa showcases the iconic Scandinavian design principles that have become synonymous with timeless beauty and functionality. The warm, rich hues of the teak bring a sense of natural warmth to any space, while the sleek lines and tapered legs exemplify the clean, minimalist aesthetic of mid-century modern design. The refinishing process has breathed new life into this vintage gem, enhancing its natural beauty and preserving its authenticity. Carefully removing the years of wear and tear, the sofa now boasts a lustrous, smooth surface that highlights the exquisite grain patterns unique to teak wood. Additionally, the sofa has been professionally reupholstered to offer both comfort and style. Please note that this sofa retains original spring filled cushions. With its generous seating capacity, the sofa provides ample space for you and your loved ones to relax and unwind. The ergonomically designed cushions offer optimal support, ensuring hours of comfort as you curl up with a book or engage in meaningful conversations with friends and family. Owning this Grete Jalk teak sofa...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsTeak
- Grete Jalk 118 armchair for France & Daverkosen, 1950sBy France & Daverkosen, Grete JalkLocated in Neuss, NWRare armchair by Grete Jalk, model 118 for France & Daverkosen. The armchair comes from the first series from 1955. High quality solid teak wood frame. The seat and backrest have bee...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Teak
- Handsome Teak Grete Jalk 3 Seater Sofa for France and SonBy Grete JalkLocated in Pemberton, NJA Grete Jalk's sculptural sofa for France & Son, this three-seater features sinuously contoured slats that create spectacular lines from all angles. The flared armrests, base and ori...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Teak
- Grete Jalk Armchair Model 118 for France & Daverkosen in Teak, 1960s, DenmarkBy France & Daverkosen, Grete JalkLocated in Neuss, NWRare armchair by Grete Jalk, model 118 for France & Daverkosen. The armchair comes from the first series from 1955. High quality solid teak wood frame. The seat and backrest have bee...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Teak