Elegant Desk Designed by Ole Wanscher
View Similar Items
Elegant Desk Designed by Ole Wanscher
About the Item
- Creator:A. J. Iversen (Cabinetmaker),Ole Wanscher (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.14 in (74 cm)Width: 59.06 in (150 cm)Depth: 29.53 in (75 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:Lejre, DK
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1020812563371
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.
- Desk in Teak in Style of Ole Wanscher, Midcentury Danish Design, 1950sBy Ole WanscherLocated in Lejre, DKDesk in teak designed and made in Denmark 1950s. Great original condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Elegant Side Table in Mahogany by Ole Wanscher, 1950sBy A. J. Iversen, Ole WanscherLocated in Lejre, DKSide table in mahogany, designed by Ole Wanscher for cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen. Great original condition. Measures: H.58 W.63/123 D.48 cm.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofa Tables
MaterialsMahogany
- Elegant Low Table in Rosewood by Ole Wanscher, 1950sBy A. J. Iversen, Ole WanscherLocated in Lejre, DKLow table in rosewood, designed by Ole Wanscher for cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen. Great original condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofa Tables
MaterialsRosewood
- Lounge Chair by Ole WanscherBy A. J. Iversen, Ole WanscherLocated in Lejre, DKClassic lounge chair in patinated leather designed by Ole Wanschar M.A.A. for A.J. Iversen Cabinetmakers in 1946. Made in Denmark. Great original condition.Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Oak
- Mid-Century Armchair in Rosewood Designed by Ole Wanscher, Danish Design, 1950sBy A. J. Iversen, Ole WanscherLocated in Lejre, DKArmchair in rosewood and patinated leather designed by Ole Wanschar M.A.A. for A.J.Iversen in 1950s. Made in Denmark. Great condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsRosewood, Leather
- Set of Four Classic Side chairs by Ole WanscherBy A. J. Iversen, Ole WanscherLocated in Lejre, DKSet of four side chairs in mahogany with seats in black patinated leather. Designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen cabinetmakers Denmark in the 1950s. Great original condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
MaterialsMahogany
$5,000 / set
- Ole Wanscher Rosewood Desk by A.J. IversenBy Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Highland, INThis 1950s Ole Wanscher design by A.J. Iversen is a transitional piece, combining traditional elements of a double pedestal desk with a decidedly modern approach. The most striking ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Ole Wanscher Mahogany Desk for a. J. IversenBy Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Copenhagen, DKOle Wanscher desk in mahogany. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Ole Wanscher Desk in Mahogany for A. J. IversenBy Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Copenhagen, DKOle Wanscher desk in mahogany with two drawers. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
- Ole Wanscher Freestanding Desk in Rosewood Made by A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen 1959By Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Odense, DKRare and important desk designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured at master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in 1959. Exhibited at the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild exhibition the same year. T...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsRosewood
- Mid-Century Modern Ole Wanscher Rosewood Executive DeskBy Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Madrid, ESLarge executive desk designed by Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen. Denmark, 1960s. This Desk features a solid structure and and interesting set of drawers and storage space, including two small display shelves at the front. Ole Wanscher was a key player in Denmark's midcentury modern movement. In the postwar era, the simple and refined aesthetic he achieved by reinventing classic forms helped define Scandinavian design, and many of his pieces became staples in Scandinavian homes. Excellent vintage condition, the wood has its unique patina due to time and use though it's been fully refinished to bring the deep Rosewood colour...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsRosewood
- Ole Wanscher Writing Desk of Mahogany by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen Denmark 1950By Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Aarhus C, DKFree standing writing desk with 5 drawers designed by Ole Wanscher (1903-1985). The desk is made of lacquered mahogany with inside frame of oak. The handles are made of solid brass ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass