Pair of Beech and Papercord Armchairs by Frits Schlegel (Attr.), Denmark ca 1940s (sold)
















Pair of Beech and Papercord Armchairs by Frits Schlegel (Attr.), Denmark ca 1940s (sold)
Frits Schlegel was a defining Danish functionalist architect and designer, and while highly successful as an architect, from the 1930s onward he also designed a number of furniture lines with inspiration from the Bauhaus movement.
This pair of armchairs stand as evidence of why many Danish architects succeeded at the craft of furniture design. The precision of the structure and the cord weaving is evident at first glance, showing great geometric order. Driven by function, Schlegel’s focus on practicality, structural stability, and a design in favour of these principles can be observed in the straight lines and absence of excess decoration. He saw possibilities in the aesthetics of modernist design and materials, becoming one of the first architects in Denmark to experiment with concrete in architecture; the use of the underrated material of paper cord is therefore no surprise. Noteworthy for its durability, paper cord is also beloved for its functional and aesthetic qualities. This material became an important material in the Danish Modern period of the 1940s and 1950s. The woven or basket form of seat of these chairs have a tight, visually pleasing pattern in great condition. This pair of armchairs have an equally arresting beech structure that shows great craftsmanship, and would make a lovely addition to any interior.
Extremely modest and confident at the same time is how this pair of chairs can be best described. The most renowned Danish designers of the era preferred to work with traditional and natural materials, but also liked to experiment with new techniques; the resulting models - such as this pair - are Danish Modern classics.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has minor scratches and discoloration.
Dimensions:
23.23 in W x 26.77 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat height 15.16 in; Seat depth 22.05 in; Arm height 20.47 in
59 cm W x 68 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm; Seat depth 56 cm; Arm height 52 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This beautiful chair design was crafted by French duo Audoux-Minet. Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet worked together during the mid-20th century, and are known for their innovative use of natural, sustainable materials, including rope, wicker, and bamboo. Their work was heavily influenced by the Modernist movement, which sought to create functional and streamlined designs that were accessible to a wider audience.
Like in Scandinavia, there was an early emphasis on wood in most French mid-century design - it connected everyday objects to nature. These chairs are a perfect example of this sentiment, and the visual benefits of an understated, organic design. The high quality woven papercord makes the pieces an outstanding example of woven furniture. They feature a fairly traditional shape with soft edges and an airy feel. The straightforward shape highlights the understated beauty of the materials, allowing the beautiful woven pattern and the grain of the wood to stand out. The interplay of a simple structure and refined detailing evokes a sense of harmony, aligning with the era’s focus on blending beauty with utility. The organic design makes these pieces stand out with an elemental edge. The colour palette further allows easy adaptation to almost any interior, functioning to either complement a space or to stand out as an accent.
Today, Audoux and Minet's designs are highly sought after by collectors and are considered important examples of mid-century modern design. Furniture pieces like this pair of armchairs stand out through their unique textures, and their materials, as well as their classic charm.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have minor marks, scratches, dents and discolouration.
Dimensions:
17.51 in W x 20.86 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Seat depth 17.51 in
44.5 cm W x 53 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Seat depth 44.5 cm