Danish Cabinetmaker Armchair with Stained Beech Legs, Denmark 1940s (sold)
Danish Cabinetmaker Armchair with Stained Beech Legs, Denmark 1940s (sold)
In Scandinavia, “good design” in particular operates as a set of relations linking the everyday world - composed of objects, spaces, people - to the cultural ideologies that motivate the persistence of a social democratically infused “way of life.” Thanks to this sentiment, the maker of this armchair put an emphasis on soft elegance and functionality, making this model timeless in every sense of the word.
The welcoming, rounded shape of the voluminous arm- and backrest is a signature characteristic of Danish Modernism. Without any tufting or festooning, the focus is on the round, flowing lines of the body and its upholstery. The voluptuous shape is a result of the upholstered, winged backrest that embraces the sitter, complimented by the soft seat and armrests. True to Danish ideals, the designer rejected the pseudo- historical use of ornamentation, instead favouring a pared-down and uncluttered look. Danish design allowed aesthetics to flow more naturally, which is clearly visible in the lines of this chair, from its embracing back to its rounded seat. The fully upholstered wooden frame rests on stained beechwood legs. The slender legs raise the body from the ground, creating a lighter look.
From the frame to the upholstery, this armchair guarantees quality and longevity. Although these virtues are important, design never fell short for Danish cabinetmakers. This armchair is upholstered in a premium wool blend fabric thanks to which, it is extremely soft and comfortable.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium wool blend fabric.
Dimensions:
30.7 in W x 38.58 in D x 39.76 in H; Seat height 18.11 in
78 cm W x 98 cm D x 101 cm H; Seat height 46 cm
About the Designer:
The practical and comfortable designs of Danish cabinetmakers defined mid-20th century modern seating. The Danish Cabinetmakers focused on minimalist design executed by expertly skilled craftsmen.
Works from the Danish Cabinet-Makers' Guild is a concept of its own in collectible design. The Cabinet-Makers' Guild began annual exhibitions in 1927 in Copenhagen. The group formed an exhibit showing each year in October the quality furniture made to drawings by gifted architects. The exhibition took place each year, without interruption, for forty years. A number of successful Danish Design collaborations were formed during this time between cabinetmakers and architects.
Danish Modernism has influenced Scandinavian furniture to a great degree, defined by minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The muted colours and gentle designs make Danish mid-century furniture an ideal addition to contemporary living spaces. Additionally, master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities.
The works of master cabinetmakers – such as this chair – are of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Cabinetmakers take the art of working with wood one step further, and focus on the finer details of what can be created with the material. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that numerous master cabinetmakers are part of the renowned Danish Culture Canon (Danish: Kulturkanonen). The canon contains no more than 108 works of cultural excellence, based on works with a useful function and that are still recognizable today. This small armchair is the perfect illustration of Danish design, and the work of a true cabinetmaker. ~H.