Period Print Celebrating the Design of Børge Mogensen
View Similar Items
Period Print Celebrating the Design of Børge Mogensen
About the Item
- Creator:Børge Mogensen (Designer),Fredericia (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 39 in (99.06 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Minor wear and toning consistent with age. Damage to one corner that is barely noticeable.
- Seller Location:Waltham, MA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU933810046951
Børge Mogensen
Among the great mid-20th century Danish furniture designers, Børge Mogensen distinguished himself with his faith to traditional values of craftsmanship and honesty of materials.
While peers such as Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl and Arne Jacobsen designed some of the most striking and now iconic furnishings of the era, Mogensen focused on making pieces that were simple, durable and comfortable — and in the long run perhaps more useful and better loved.
Mogensen studied under and later worked for Kaare Klint, a master cabinetmaker whose chief tenets were quality of construction and simplicity of line. Klint was a classicist, who believed that furniture forms should evolve from those of historical models. So, too, in his way was Mogensen, as two of his best-known earlier pieces attest. His 1945 Spokeback Sofa, with hinged arms that can be lowered to facilitate lounging, is a reinterpretation of the venerable Knole settee. With the oval silhouette of its plywood backrest and waterdrop-shaped cutouts, Mogenson’s Shell chair, designed in 1949, can be seen as a novel take on early 19th century Empire side chairs.
Yet Mogensen shared the aesthetical sensibilities of his most forward-looking colleagues. His cabinets deploy the same spare geometries and lushly figured woods as those of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and his disciple Florence Knoll, the chief difference being that Mies and Knoll used chrome steel for the frames and legs of their pieces. The brawny oak frames and slung leather seats and backrests of Mogensen’s Hunting chair (1950) and Spanish chair (1958) display the same hefty construction and appreciation of natural materials seen in the work of Charlotte Perriand and Sergio Rodrigues.
As you will see from the furnishings on 1stDibs, Børge Mogensen designed for function more than sculptural effect. While his chairs may not be the first pieces in a décor to draw the eye, they are often the first to draw in those looking for a comfortable seat.
Fredericia
Since the early 20th century, Fredericia has manufactured alluring and sophisticated Scandinavian furniture produced with the highest standards of quality in mind. The Danish brand collaborates with today’s top design talent and over time partnered with celebrated mid-century modernists such as Hans Wegner, Arne Vodder, Jens Risom — a leading figure in Scandinavian design and Knoll’s first designer — and Nanna Ditzel, whose Hanging Egg chair for Sika was a favorite for flashy fashion shoots of the 1960s.
Fredericia was founded in 1911 by N.P. Ravnsø as the Fredericia Chair Factory. In 1930, with the idea of creating a range of durable furniture made in the traditional styles of the era, Fredericia secured a license to manufacture pieces for German company Thonet.
In 1955 Danish businessman Andreas Graversen acquired Fredericia. Graversen had previously established what would become a long-lived partnership with notable furniture designer Børge Mogensen, a former teaching assistant to pioneering architect and designer Kaare Klint. Graversen sought to introduce modern flourishes to traditional Scandinavian furniture design at Fredericia — and owing to his business savvy and vision, coupled with Mogensen's artistic sensibilities and deep understanding of organic materials, the company successfully debuted various furnishings designed in the Scandinavian modern style that are still coveted today.
Fredericia brought Mogensen's iconic Spanish chair to market in 1958. With its solid European oak frame, wide armrests and suspended saddle leather seat and backrest, this signature piece solidified Fredericia's standing in Denmark — and around the world — as a premier furniture company. Mogensen designed many renowned pieces during his career at Fredericia, including the practical, rustic Hunting chair.
After Mogensen's death in 1972, Fredericia continued to flourish as a manufacturer. The company continues to work with legendary designers — witness its impossibly innovative Stingray rocking chair, designed by Thomas Pedersen, for example — and in 2020 acquired the Erik Jørgensen furniture company. Fredericia is now owned by Graversen's son, Thomas Graversen.
On 1stDibs, explore a range of vintage Fredericia seating, storage pieces and tables.
- Antique Print of the Festival Celebrating the Emperor's Birthday in China, 1843Located in Langweer, NLAntique print titled 'The Annual Festival celebrating the Emperor's birthday, revived by Kublai-Khan'. Lithograph of the festival celebrating the Emperor's birthday, China. This print originates from 'The History of China...Category
Antique 19th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Print of Fossil Leaves from the Prehistoric PeriodLocated in Langweer, NLOriginal antique print of fossil leaves from the Prehistoric period. This print originates from 'Bilderbuch fur Kinder' by F.J. Bertuch. Friedrich Johann...Category
Antique Early 19th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Print of the Design of Two Sidetables/Furniture, circa 1900Located in Langweer, NLAntique print of the design of two sidetables/furniture. The print is hand colored, the handwritten notes below the print are erased. Trimmed and mounted to board.Category
20th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
$87 Sale Price20% Off - Antique Print of the Design of Cornices by Spiegl, circa 1730Located in Langweer, NLAntique print titled 'Verziertes Gesims, Fries und Architrau (..)'. Engraving in sepia tone showing the architectural elements of cornices. Engraved by J. Spiegl.Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Set of 2 Antique Prints Depicting the Design of Vases/Plates by Moses, 1820Located in Langweer, NLSet of two antique prints depicting the design of antique vases/plates. These prints originate from 'Vases from the Collection of Sir Henry Englefield'. Drawn & engraved by Henry Moses...Category
Antique Early 19th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper
$174 Sale Price / set20% Off - Antique Print of the Ceremony of the Coronation of the King of MadagascarLocated in Langweer, NLAntique print titled 'Cérémonie officielle du couronnement du roi de Madagascar Radama II, 23 septembre 1862. (Croquis de M.A. Païx de la mission évangélique). It shows the official ...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
MaterialsPaper