This stool was designed in 1942, and at the time the design was simply called “Taburet” (Stool in Danish), for as this model is well-known as “the stool” of Mogens Lassen. The three-legged design was inspired by a traditional cobbler’s stool, which is reflected in the seat’s ergonomic design. The legs are tapered, providing a firm base for the seat.

This mid-century piece has the main characteristics Danish design is famous for. From the sculptural shape to the functional design and the high quality of the material, this stool is the work of a master craftsman.

The stool was originally produced by Danish Snedkermester (cabinet maker) K. Thomsen, but it is now back in production by ‘by Lassen Denmark’ under the name ML42 stool. However, the new edition stools are not manufactured in the original wooden materials of teak and mahogany; therefore, the value is not the same. This stool is from the original manufacturer, marked with K. Thomsen’s label, and is made of solid teak, making it a real treasure.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Beautiful patina on the seat. Wear consistent with age and use. The seat has minor chips. The top of one of the legs has a small, another has a minor crack.

Dimensions:

17.72 in W x 12.21 in D x 20.08 in H; seat height 20.08 in

45 cm W x 31 cm D x 51 cm H; seat height 51 cm

Exhibition:

Model presented at The Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition at Designmuseum Danmark, 1942.

Literature:

Grete Jalk - 40 Years of Danish Furniture Design, vol. 2, p. 185.

Arkitekten Mogens Lassen, Lisbet Balslev Jørgensen, ill. p. 39.

Per H. Hansen, Klaus Petersen - 300 danske designmøbler, Lindhardt og Ringhof, 5 Nov 2015. Section 16.

About the designer:

Architect and designer Mogens Lassen (1901-1987) is among the most influential Danish architects and is internationally acknowledged as a pioneer of Danish Functionalism. His architectural designs are regarded as iconic, nevertheless, along with his brother, Flemming Lassen, he also left his mark in history as a furniture designer.

Mogens Lassen trained as a mason before starting his studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1923. Following his graduation, he underwent further architectural training in Copenhagen and started his own design studio in 1935. While he was primarily occupied with architectural design, Lassen was also a keen furniture designer. His exceptional craftsmanship and pursuit for simplicity resulted in steel-based pieces that influenced the modernist movement in the 1930s. His later designs focused on wooden pieces and quickly became part of classical Danish Modern, particularly his three-legged stool (1942) and Egyptian folding table (1940). Apart from furniture, Lassen also designed accessories, the most famous being the Kubus line, with the Kubus candlestick, that has become an icon of Danish design. In 1971, Mogens Lassen was awarded the C.F. The Hansen Medal.

The grandchildren and grand-grandchildren of Lassen established the design company By Lassen in 2008 to honour the work of Mogens Lassen and his brother Flemming Lassen. ~H.