Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son, Model 118, Denmark, 1950s
View Similar Items
Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son, Model 118, Denmark, 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:Grete Jalk (Designer),France & Søn (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33.08 in (84 cm)Width: 74.81 in (190 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)Seat Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Amsterdam, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3940318587272
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.
France & Søn
Danish manufacturer France & Søn is best known for its prolific output of elegant mid-century modern furnishings in teak and leather, yet its multinational beginnings took shape during the 1930s.
After businessman Charles William Fearnley France (1897–1972) moved from his native England to Denmark in 1936, he began to operate a small mattress factory alongside his friend Eric Daverkosen, a Danish cabinetmaker, under the name France & Daverkosen. Shortly afterward, Daverkosen passed away, and when Denmark was invaded during the Second World War, Charles was captured and sent to a prison camp in Germany. When he was released, the British entrepreneur set out to produce furniture in the early 1950s, setting up a shop in Hillerød to manufacture the kind of sleek beech and teak goods that were gaining widespread acclaim around the world. In 1957, France’s son James joined the business, and the company changed its name to reflect the addition.
Throughout the ’50s and ’60s, France & Søn produced a stunning array — and staggering quantity — of designs, with elegant modernist lounge chairs and armchairs, teak and rosewood dining tables and other furnishings by the likes of Finn Juhl, Grete Valk, Ole Wanscher, Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen all gracing its catalogues.
Even as there was a focus on mass production at France & Søn — and the brand doesn’t quite enjoy the same renown as fellow mid-century Danish furniture makers such as Carl Hansen & Søn — Charles France believed in making quality furniture, and the company’s offerings evoke the warmth of the handcrafted work that is typically associated with Scandinavian modernism.
In the 1960s, the company was bought by Danish designer Poul Cadovius, who folded it into the operations at CADO, a company he founded during the 1950s. Surviving examples of early work from the brand as well as modern icons by the likes of Verner Panton that followed in later years continue to be in demand.
Find a collection of France & Søn furniture on 1stDibs.
- Teak and Cane Sofa by Hans Olsen for Juul Kristensen, Denmark, 1950sBy Juul Kristensen, Hans OlsenLocated in Amsterdam, NLVery elegant and high end Danish Mid-century three-seat sofa by Hans Olsen for Juul Kristensen from the 1950s. This eyecatcher is from the same period and series as the modular TV Bench...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Cane, Teak
$4,670 Sale Price42% Off - Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen, Foldable Side Table, Denmark 1960'sBy Grete Jalk, Poul Jeppesens MøbelfabrikLocated in Amsterdam, NLTeak side table. The top can rotate and flips open. Then it creates a space of 70 x 90 cm The pin to rotate the table top have been replaced. The top and the bottom shelf have been ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
MaterialsTeak
- 1975 2.5-Seat Sofa by Børge and Peter Mogensen for Fredericia, Model 2335By Børge Mogensen, FredericiaLocated in Amsterdam, NLA modern looking Danish design sofa by the hand of the famous Børge Mogensen and his son Peter. Designed in Denmark in 1975. This is an unique example, because it is actually a vi...Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsVelvet, Oak
$4,615 Sale Price20% Off - Scandinavian modern sofa in teak and boucle, 1960'sBy Tobia ScarpaLocated in Amsterdam, NLTwo seater sofa in teak with loose cushions re-uphosltered in off-white boucle style fabric.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsBouclé, Teak
- Sleeper / sofa, model "Doublet" by Rob Parry for Gelderland, The NetherlandsBy Gelderland, Rob ParryLocated in Amsterdam, NLSleeper / sofa, model "Doublet" by Rob Parry for Gelderland, The Netherlands 1950's Teak sofa with new green upholstery. Designed by Rob Parry for Gelderland. The seating can be pul...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Teak
- Borge Mogensen for Fredericia Sofa "2343" in Cognac Leather, Denmark, 1960'sBy Fredericia Stolefabrik, Børge MogensenLocated in Amsterdam, NLWooden sofa with cognac leather cushions. Designed by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia. With new cognac leather upholstery. The wooden frame is in good condition, only a sratch on the ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsWood, Leather
- Grete Jalk Model-128 Cognac Leather & Teak 3-Seater Sofa for France & SønBy France & Søn, Grete JalkLocated in Los Angeles, CAGrete Jalk Model-128 Cognac Leather & Teak 3-Seater Sofa for France & Søn ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like brin...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Teak
- Modern Grete Jalk Danish Sofa, France and Son Freshly ReupholsteredBy France & Søn, Grete JalkLocated in Lyon, FRFirst edition for this sofa designed by Grete Jalk for France and Son. Scandinavian sofa Freshly reupholstered. Perfect condition.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, 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
- 8 Ft. Long Four Seat Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Sons in Teak, c. 1960sBy France & Søn, Grete JalkLocated in Deland, FLRare and exceptional is this sculptural sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Son. This four-seat sofa features contoured slats that create a spectacular line from the back and side angles...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsTeak
- 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
$2,560 Sale Price20% Off - Lounge Chair 118 in Teak & Bouclé by Grete Jalk for France & Son, DenmarkBy France & Søn, Grete JalkLocated in Vorst, BEGrete Jalk Lounge chair model 118 in Teak. Manufactured by France & Son in Denmark, probably in the 1950s. The chair is in a very nice restored state. Th structure in solid te...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Upholstery, Foam, Teak