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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

This armchair represents what we could consider a timeless Danish Modern classic. The “ND83” was designed in 1952 by Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel for the exhibition "Contemporary Furniture, Home Equipment" in the Forum Hall Copenhagen in 1952. Nanna Ditzel, 'The Grand Dame of Danish Design', was one of the most influential and significant Danish designers of the 20th Century.

Nanna and Jørgen's designs aimed to discover new shapes and functions, labelled as representing free play in the field. The couple wanted to develop furniture that supported a freer and richer life. The duo designed together from 1946 - 1961 when Jørgen sadly passed away. Chairs are often considered especially revealing of a designer's skill because of the strict limits placed on their design by the demands of the human body. With this model, the Ditzels arrives at a clearly-structured solution in which a high degree of coherence is maintained, while the chair appears visually light and open. The structure of the chair is made entirely of solid oak. Each sculpted leg is made of a single piece of timber that ascend gently, giving stability to the curved back. Rounded oak dowels plug the holes in which the fastenings for the back can be found - these help to create the elegant simplicity and honesty of the frame. The large curved back extend up to the front, forming the armrests for a cosy and elegant profile similar to that of a tub chair. The elegance is further enhanced by the premium bouclé upholstery which complements the oak gracefully, this pairing of materials is quintessentially mid-century modern.

Cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen handcrafted this chair, while the company Selig Co., imported them to the U.S. market from Denmark in 1952. The “ND83” model is still made to order today, however chairs like these from the original production show the Ditzels’ true genius. The original marking on the wood is retained.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. 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: 

30.9 in W x 25.98 in D x 26.96 in H; Seat height 14.76 cm

78.5 cm W x 66 cm D x 68.5 cm H; Seat height 37.5 cm

Literature:

Hanne Horsfeld Danske Designere, 'Nanna Ditzel', p.86

Oda Noritsugu, Danish Chairs, p.164

Per H. Hansen, Klaus Petersen, Den Store Danske Møbelguide, p.77

About the Designer:

Nanna Ditzel (1923 – 2005) was a modern Danish designer, who created an impressive body of work during her long career, leading 20th century Danish design.Her name equalled to a prestigious brand characterized by quality, distinctive sleek design and skill.

Born in Copenhagen on the 6th of October in 1923, Nanna Ditzel studied under the influential furniture designer Kaare Klint. in 1985, she started her own design studio in Copenhagen. She began to work on her own, developing her now trademark split-level floor seating and low cushions. In the field of furniture design, Nanna Ditzel quickly attracted critical attention. In Copenhagen, she began working for Fredericia, a leading Danish manufacturer with a reputation for high quality furniture.

She received several awards during her long and distinguished career, including the Lunning Prize in 1956, silver medals at the Milan Triennali of 1951, 1954 and 1957, followed by a golden one in 1960. Her work has been displayed at art centers around the world, including New York, London, Madrid and Milan. In 1996 she was elected honourable Royal Designer in London and awarded a lifelong Artist's Grant by the Danish Ministry of Culture two years later. A film was made about her life and work in 1991.

Nanna Ditzel is recognised worldwide for her stylish designs, for which functionality was always a driving force. During her career that spanned 60 years, her furniture, textiles and jewellery were to be found in all major European cities as well as in North America.She remains as one of Denmark's most acclaimed designers.