Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren Sofa in Red Leather and Teak

About the Item

Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren, sofa, leather, walnut, Denmark, 1950s/1960s Beautiful sofa in an outstanding natural color designed by Ole Wanscher during the mid-century period. This piece is upholstered in smooth dark red leather, providing great comfort. The leather has patinated beautifully over time. The slim and elegant bent walnut wooden legs, gives the sofa a very open and elegant look, suitable for the modern home due to its timeless expression. The walnut grain is perfectly visible on the frame, adding depth and interest to this piece. Danish furniture designer Ole Wanscher (1903-1985) was born in Copenhagen. Wanscher was the son of an art historian and studied under Kaare Klint at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. He traveled many different countries and was studying historical and vernacular furniture within a wide range of cultures and ethnicities. in 1927 he helped to establish the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild, and was a part of the jury of the annual awards. He was also very active in writing about furniture, multiple books and many articles he dedicated to the subject. His furniture designs were infused with classicism and history about which he wrote. While his designs were more traditional than his contemporaries, his designs clearly show the 'clean' way of designing furniture that the Danish are known for, combined with historical influences. In 1955 he succeeded Kaare Klint as professor of the Furniture Department of the Royal Academy, where he was once a student. He taught there until 1973, and retired at the age of 70. In 1985 he passed away.

Creator:

Ole Wanscher (Designer),Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik (Manufacturer)

Dimensions:

Height: 29.53 in (75 cm)Width: 75.6 in (192 cm)Depth: 28.75 in (73 cm)Seat Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)

Style:

Scandinavian Modern (In the Style Of)

Materials and Techniques:

Leather,Teak

Place of Origin:

Denmark

Period:

1950-1959

Date of Manufacture:

1950s/1960s

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Every item Morentz offers is checked by our team of 30 craftspeople in our in-house workshop. Special restoration or reupholstery requests can be done. Check ‘About the item’ or ask our design specialists for detailed information on the condition.

Seller Location:

Waalwijk, NL

Reference Number:

Seller: 501114481stDibs: LU933128585992

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Shop All Ole Wanscher

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.