Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa, circa 1950
View Similar Items
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa, circa 1950
About the Item
- Creator:Ole Wanscher (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31.11 in (79 cm)Width: 82.68 in (210 cm)Depth: 30.71 in (78 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950-1959
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Waalwijk, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU93319413513
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.
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
- Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren Sofa in Red Leather and TeakBy Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens MøbelfabrikLocated in Waalwijk, NLOle 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. T...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Teak
- Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Two Seater Sofa in Red Leather and TeakBy Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind, France & SønLocated in Waalwijk, NLOle Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Søn, two seater sofa, teak, leather, Denmark, 1962 Modern and beautiful constructed sofa based on a tight and simple design. The teak...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Teak
- Alain Delon "Salon" Three Seat Sofa in Taupe UpholsteryBy Alain Delon, Maison JansenLocated in Waalwijk, NLAlain Delon for Maison Jansen, three seat sofa, fabric, France, 1970s. This ornate, comfortable sofa has a strong and playful design. The high, webbed back gives perfect support for...Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Danish Two Seater Sofa in Grey Buffalo LeatherLocated in Waalwijk, NLSofa or settee, buffalo leather, metal, Denmark, 1960s. This sofa originates from Denmark and is characterized by a cubic shaped construction fully executed in buffalo leather with...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Two Seat Sofa in Black LeatherLocated in Waalwijk, NLSofa, leather, Europe, 1960s. This two-seat sofa is simplistic, yet stylish in its design. Due to the overall black color of the leatherette, the sofa radiates smoothness and underl...Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Italian Two-Seat Sofa with Curved ArmrestsLocated in Waalwijk, NLSofa, fabric and wood, Italy, 1960s Highly theatrical sofa that features curved, upsweeping armrests. This piece is made in Italy in the 1960s. The slightly tapered backrest is scul...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' SofaBy Ole WanscherLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis teak high-back two-seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher as part of his 'Senator' line, circa 1960s. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Teak
$910 Sale Price30% Off - Ole Wanscher Two-Seat SetteeBy Ole WanscherLocated in Los Angeles, CAOle Wanscher two-seat settee in mahogany with leather.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Settees
MaterialsLeather, Mahogany
Price Upon Request - Ole Wanscher Three-Seat SofaBy Ole Wanscher, CadoLocated in Esbjerg, DKOle Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Teak
- Ole Wanscher Three-Seat SofaBy France & Søn, Ole WanscherLocated in Esbjerg, DKOle Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with light grey 100 % New Zealand Divina wool. Made of solid mahogany. Model Senator, made by France & Son.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsWool, Mahogany
- Ole Wanscher Three-Seat SofaBy Ole Wanscher, CadoLocated in Esbjerg, DKOle Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Teak
- Colonial 2-Seat Sofa, Model OW149-2, by Ole Wanscher, 1960sBy Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole WanscherLocated in Lejre, DKExquisite Colonial 2-Seat Sofa, Model OW149-2, a timeless creation by the revered designer Ole Wanscher in 1964, skillfully crafted by P. Jeppesen in the 1960s. This elegant sofa em...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Rosewood
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
You Don’t Need a Fictional Fairy to Get This Real Pinocchio Lamp
Warm chalet style meets cool Bauhaus functionality in Pietro Cascella’s cleverly carved creation.
Morentz Writes the Next Chapter for Furniture with a Storied Past
Dutch dealer Matthijs Hoveijn specializes in the best of mid-century modern design, selling it to discerning clients around the world.