Mahogany Desk by Ole Wanscher
View Similar Items
Mahogany Desk by Ole Wanscher
About the Item
- Creator:Ole Wanscher (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Width: 67 in (170.18 cm)Depth: 33 in (83.82 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960s
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU806024117622
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.
- Pair of Ole Wanscher "Colonial" ArmchairsBy Ole WanscherLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of Ole Wanscher "Colonial" Armchairs Manufactured by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik Material: Mahogany Model PJ301Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Cane, Mahogany
$4,850 / set - Oak Maker's Desk by Lawson-FenningBy Lawson-FenningLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Maker's desk is made of American walnut or white oak and has three push-to-open drawers. The case rests on a matte black powder-coated base, and features perforated steel detail ...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsSteel
$5,285 / item - Oak Niguel Desk by Lawson-FenningBy Lawson-FenningLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Niguel desk features brass cap feet and a brass cross-stretcher with lacquered interior drawers. Shown here in Rocky Beach pigmented oak The Lawson-Fenning Collection is desig...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
$5,685 / item - Walnut Maker's Desk by Lawson-FenningBy Lawson-FenningLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Maker's desk is made of American walnut or white oak and has three push-to-open drawers. The case rests on a matte black powder-coated base, and features perforated steel detail ...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsSteel
$5,285 / item - Niguel Writing Desk by Lawson-FenningBy Lawson-FenningLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Niguel writing desk features solid turned legs, brass cap feet and lacquered interior drawers. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, Californi...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
$5,335 / item - Niguel Writing Desk by Lawson-FenningBy Lawson-FenningLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Niguel writing desk features solid turned legs, brass cap feet and lacquered interior drawers. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, California....Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
$5,335 / item
- 1960s Ole Wanscher Mahogany DeskBy Ole WanscherLocated in Madrid, ESMahogany desk designed by Ole Wanscher in an excellent restored condition. Denmark, 1960s This desk was designed following the mid century design rule and aesthetic, using noble wo...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
- Black Polished Mahogany Writing Desk by Ole WanscherBy Ole WanscherLocated in Kastrup, DKOle Wanscher, Danish 1903-1985. Mid-century desk in black polished mahogany by Danish cabinetmaker and designer Ole Wanscher. Six drawers (2x3) with original brass handles and locks...Category
Mid-20th Century 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
- Desk in Mahogany by Ole Wanscher '1903 - 1985'Located in Aalsgaarde, DKFreestanding desk in mahogany by Ole Wanscher (1903 - 1985) with original hardware. Made at A.J. Iversen in 1960’s H. 76 H-apron. 64 W. 149 D. 78 cm H. 29.9 H-apron. 25.1 W. 58.6 ...Category
20th Century 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
- 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