Large Danish Early Midcentury Sideboard Credenza by Frits Henningsen

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Large Danish Early Midcentury Sideboard Credenza by Frits Henningsen

About the Item

A very rare and exceptional large midcentury sideboard credenza by master Danish cabinet maker Frits Henningsen in highly figured mahogany This sideboard features outstanding mahogany veneer that has been expertly matched across the front doors and top using the same cuts of wood and matching them to create sweeping, curved details. This attention to detail and the use of Mahogany was one of Henningsen’s trademarks, and this along with how the main cabinet sits on its base, denotes much of his work – in particular many of his sofas have the same design of a box, often with curved and rounded corner details, sitting upon a simple set of framed legs. Henningsen was most active from 1915, when he opened his own furniture shop in Copenhagen, to the 1950s and as such his most recognizable cabinet work encompasses designs in Art Deco and also Classic Mid-Century Modern. Looking at the detailing of the legs it’s most likely the sideboard dates from the 1940s where the curvature of some elements of the design aesthetic became simpler and increasingly more linear as the Mid-Century Modern movement gathered pace in leading Scandinavian countries at that time. It’s in very good vintage condition and also benefits from having the original key that locks all the cabinet doors. There are some marks to the top as shown but these can really only be seen when looking along the top against the light. It’s been beautifully restored at some time in its life and whoever restored it believed the small marks and signs of age where better left untouched rather than glossed over – it is, after all, over 80 years old. In any event the marks don’t detract at all from the visual appearance of the piece as is evident when one looks at the main pictures. What further adds rarity to the piece, (I doubt you’ll ever see another one) is that Henningsen was known to hardly ever sign his work, and yet this piece does have a very rudimentary set of marks that seem to bear his name – what appears to be ‘1A’ and ‘FH’ (as shown in one of the photos). It’s well documented that he disliked the cult of the designer as the focus of design and always preferred that the design spoke for itself. This basic signature is therefore very unusual and probably suggests it was a bespoke piece made to order for a wealthy client. Inside the cabinet there are two shelves to the right and one each centre and left. This would suggest that it was designed for a living room as the centre cabinet is suited to being a drinks cabinet as the centre shelf is recessed to allow the placement of taller items such as bottles to be placed in front of it. That said, it would work equally well as a dining room credenza allowing for the storage of plates, platters, glasses and other crockery.

Creator:
Frits Henningsen (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 33.08 in (84 cm)Width: 85.83 in (218 cm)Depth: 21.66 in (55 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany
Place of Origin:
Denmark
Period:
1940-1949
Date of Manufacture:
1940-1945
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Highclere, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU4278220537212

Shop All Frits Henningsen

Frits Henningsen

Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen never compromised on quality. His furniture is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, and unlike many designers of his day, Henningsen — a dogged perfectionist — rarely permitted any of his pieces to be built outside of his own workshop. Each of his elegant low-profile tables, chairs and sofas feature the clean lines and graceful curves typically associated with vintage mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern furniture.

Henningsen was born in 1889 and apprenticed as a cabinetmaker in the early 1900s. He was mentored by the well-known and respected cabinetmaker I.P. Mørck and completed his apprenticeship at the age of 22.

Henningsen also studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where one of his teachers was legendary furniture designer Kaare Klint, who is frequently called the father of Danish modernism. Henningsen saw Klint as a friendly rival, which motivated him to refine his craftsmanship and technique.

Henningsen traveled throughout Germany, France, and Great Britain to gather knowledge, experience and inspiration. He returned to Copenhagen in 1915 and set up a furniture store and workshop to create and sell his own designs. He also developed relationships with Rud Rasmussen and Carl Hansen & Søn, the only furniture manufacturers he trusted to produce his designs.

Bucking the angular and geometric furniture trends of the time, Henningsen embraced fluid and organic forms. Much of his inspiration came from the Rococo, French Empire and British 17th-century styles he encountered on his travels. The 1930 Heritage chair is a prime example of these influences. It features soft, curving lines and has a sophisticated appeal.

Another piece that showcases Henningsen’s style and craftsmanship is the 1952 Signature chair. A striking work that features an inviting curved seat atop sinuous carved wood legs, the Signature chair was his last design.

The straightforward and timeless style of Henningsen furniture continues to enjoy popularity today. In fact, in 2015, Carl Hansen & Son reissued the iconic Signature chair.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Frits Henningsen seating, side tables and cabinets on 1stDibs.