Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen 3-Seat Sofa for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1940s

Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen’s design language operates as a set of relations linking the everyday world - composed of objects, spaces, people - to the cultural ideologies that motivate the persistence of a social democratically infused “way of life.” The design duo’s company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design thanks to this sentiment. While the duo solidified their careers with industrial production, more specifically the “AX chair” in the 1950s, this earlier model is perhaps even more stunning in many aspects. “Model 1748” is their most well-known fully upholstered chair, with a design that builds on the traditions of Danish cabinetmaking. The subtle decorative qualities and the simple lines deriving from the early 20th century design movements give this chair its elegance. This armchair shows the homely curviness that defined the design of the mid-century throughout Scandinavia. The back is lightly bent for ergonomic comfort, and have stylish button tufting. The tapered, stained beech legs complement both the shape of the armchair, and the bouclé upholstery. Quality craftsmanship was of optimum importance for Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen, therefore they collaborated with the best cabinetmakers of the era. This chair was manufactured by Fritz Hansen, Denmark’s most famous company of the time. Founded in Denmark in 1872, and proceeded to manufacture many of the classic icons of Danish Design in the following decades. With a classic look, storied design and solid quality, these chairs are truly soulful and timeless. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. 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: 27.55 in W x 31.88 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 16.53 in 70 cm W x 81 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 42 cm About the designer: Hvidt & Mølgaard was a Copenhagen-based, Danish design and architectural firm which existed from 1944 until 2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993), the company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design and industrialized production in the 1950s, creating furniture that was easy to mass-produce and economic to transport. Danish architect-designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen was born in 1907. His formative years were spent in Copenhagen, studying at the Aalborg Technical School and at the Art and Crafts School of the Design Museum (graduating in 1928). From 1931 until 1934, he continued his studies in furniture design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the instruction of Danish master Kaare Klint (1888-1954). Peter Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Subsequently, he worked at various design firms before establishing his own studio in 1942. In 1944, Hvidt designed the Portex Chair...

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