A “gyngestol” (rocking chair) is a staple in Danish design. This rare model by the multitalented Danish designer, upholsterer and furniture architect Bent Møller Jepsen looks like none other, with a minimalistic, yet eye-catching structure that makes it a stand-out piece.

The frame is made of solid oak with beautiful, flowing curves. This rocking chair has a medley of materials, with a stretched canvas back, original patinated, full grain leather armrests, and the cushions upholstered in premium bouclé fabric resting on the oak body. Møller Jepsen is a skilled upholsterer as well, and this chair shows off his wide range of skills from the joinery techniques to the masterful sense of proportions. The loose cushion is divided into four segments, perfectly aligning with the chair’s curvature to provide great comfort. The details are all carefully crafted focusing on timelessness and functionality. After all, a rocking chair’s main purpose is relaxation; rocking is proved to be relaxing as it releases endorphins in the brain as well as loosening stiff joints. Møller Jepsen made sure his exceptional design met both the highest visual and technical quality.

The manufacturer, Boltinge Stolefabrik had its factory at Boltinggård in Denmark, and specialized in unique seating designs, creating the most iconic models in the 1960s and 70s. This rocking chair’s design, pairing of materials, and their quality evidence Møller Jepsen’s multifaceted talent that earned him recognition in- and outside Denmark.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium bouclé fabric. Normal patina, including some scratches and marks.

Dimensions:

30.7 in W x 38.77 in D x 30.31 in H

78 cm W x 98.5 cm D x 77 cm H

About the Designer:

Bent Møller Jepsen was born in 1933 in Denmark. His father was the late Danish furniture maker, Simon Terpager Jepsen, who owned the furniture factory SITAMO in Jutland, Denmark from 1947 to 1976.

Møller Jepsen graduated as an upholsterer in 1952, and as a furniture architect in 1956 from the Danish school of Fine Arts. He designed a number of iconic furniture for his father’s factory. The factory was known for its skilled Danish craftsmen, including Møller Jepsen as well, who actively worked as an upholsterer. During the factory’s lifetime, SITAMO furnished a number of embassies around the world, and also had the privilege of delivering furniture to the luxury liner “Hanseatic” (Hamburg – New York), which was owned by Stavros Niarchos – the brother-in-law of Aristotle Onassis.

Between 1956-1962 Møller Jepsen was the executive architect at design offices in Switzerland, Sweden as well as in the family furniture factory. After his work in the country, he was hired to build an upholstery factory in France. From 1972, he was a teacher at Skive Technical School, teaching upholstery and home decoration. He became advisor at The Danish Technological Institute in 1984, helping with production, construction, materials and testing.

Until today, Bent Møller Jepsen still works with various consultancy assignments within the EU. To mention a few, he worked on the evaluation of the Irish upholstery industry, and he prepared and implemented a modern upholstery education in Egypt. He took part in educational trips to Japan and China, and he still teaches seminars, both in Denmark and abroad. ~H.