The designs of Borge Mogensen aimed at functionality, minimalist appearance and easy accessibility. This lounge chair is perhaps one of the best examples of these principles of the Danish master. Both the two-position Model “2254” chair and “2248” stool were executed by the renowned Danish manufactory, Fredericia Stolefabrik.

Extremely modest and confident at the same time is how the these models could be best described. The lounge chair’s design dates back to 1956, the golden age of Danish mid-century modernism. The cubical frames define the design which is very distinctive, even among fellow mid-century pieces. The straight lines of the frames and the solid oak surfaces allow the finger joints and metal screws to stand out, while the look remains airy and open. The geometrical lines are broken by curvature of the seat and backrest of the chair that serve a primarily ergonomic function. The four straight slats in the back curve with the frame, a detail that shows immense craftsmanship on the manufacturer’s side as well. Mogensen preferred to work with traditional and natural materials, but also liked to experiment with new techniques. This chair model is also known as Mogensen’s “Slædestolen” (Sled Chair) for the seat and back’s ability to slide, enabling the sitter to lean back into a lounging position. The upholstered seat and back cushions further add to the level of comfort, both physically and visually. Another stylish detail is the upholstered headrest that is attached to the seat by leather straps. The stool, with its matching upholstery and frame, elongates the chair visually, and raises the level of comfort.

Danish furniture maker Fredericia Stolefabrik was founded in 1911 by N. P. Ravnsø in an industrial port town of the same name. From the start, Ravnsø built Fredericia's reputation on quality and hired only the most skilled craftsmen he could find. In 1955, the Ravnsø family sold Fredericia to Andreas Graversen, whose first order of business would be to hire Børge Mogensen as head of design.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The cushions have their original upholstery. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

Chair

25.78 in W x 34.44 in D x 37.2 in H; Seat height 14.76 in

65.5 cm W x 87.5 cm D x 94.5 cm H; Seat height 37.5 cm

Footstool

22.24 in W x 20.66 in D x 13.38 in H

56.5 cm W x 52.5 cm D x 34 cm H

About the designer:

Borge Mogensen is without a doubt one of the most famous Danish designers. Born in 1914 in Aalborg, Mogensen was trained as a cabinetmaker and studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen from 1936 to 1938, and architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture between 1938 and 1942.

At the beginning of his career, he became head of F.D.B. Mobler’s furniture design studio. In 1950, he started his own design studio, collaborating with manufacturers Soborg, the Swedish company Karl Andersson and the famous manufacturer Fredericia from 1955. The collaboration with the latter resulted in many of Mogensen’s most famous furniture pieces, including the “Spanish Chair” and the “Ambassador Sofa”.

Mogensen’s goal has always been to design and produce quality furniture for the people, with longevity, quality and timelessness in his focus. Because of this, Mogensen was known as “the people’s designer”, a true pioneer in democratic design. In 1972, he was awarded the C.F. Hansen Medal and was appointed Honorary Royal Designer for Industry at the Royal Society of Arts in London. ~H.