From Charlotte Perriand to Axel Einar Hjorth, stools have been staples in European design history. Modernist stools like this model, stem from one of the earliest forms of seating, the milking stool. With a highly functional history and modernist look, this stool is a rare and stylish piece.

The design is characteristically simple in form with clean lines, organic curves, and tapered legs. Like many of his Danish contemporaries, Hovmand-Olsen favoured the use of high-quality, beautifully grained woods like teak and rosewood. This solid teak stool stands out thanks to its seat, made of expertly woven paper cord. Stretched between the wood, the seat’s texture and colours pairs greatly with the teak. Furthermore, the seat has a subtle ergonomic shape to accommodate the sitter. The four, tapered legs are connected by two stretchers on the sides in the same way as the designer’s famous dining chair models. Every functional part, including these stretchers between the legs serve an aesthetic purpose as well. The lines are rounded out and complement the visually arresting pattern of the wood. The core principle of modernist design emphasizes that one should be in harmony with his or her environment, which therefore needs to be free of anything unnecessary. In line with this sentiment, this stool entirely focuses on its solid wood material and well-crafted, woven seat.

Characterized by functionality, simplicity and clean lines, Arne Hovmand-Olsen’s design is all about harmony. Mogens Kold’s factory was once Denmark’s largest hardwood factories, and the company’s craft has evidently lasted well into the 1950s.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood.

Dimensions:

18.5 in W x 15.15 in D x 18.3 in H

47 cm W x 38.5 cm D x 46.5 cm H

About the designer:

Arne Hovmand-Olsen (1919 – 1989) was born in 1919 in Kirkeby Sogn, Denmark into a family working in agriculture. He quickly developed an interest in drawing and handiwork.

Hovmand-Olsen started his career in 1938 by an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker for P. Olsen Sibast, where he was sent by his family. Upon the completion of his apprenticeship in 1941, Arne joined a furniture designing school in Aarhus to fulfil his dream of designing furniture. Once he finished his training program, he founded his own workshop, and began designing modern furniture with clean lines and simple forms for leading manufacturers, such as Bramin and Mogens Kold. His style is very much in the organic, natural style that defines mid-century Scandinavian furniture.

During the 1950s and 60s there was a huge demand for Danish furniture and design throughout Europe and the US, this led to Hovmand-Olsen’s work becoming recognized and coveted internationally. His designs quickly gained great success: he not only sold his furniture in Denmark, but also in the United States where he became very popular. His workshop closed during the 1970s due to illness. ~H.