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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

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This Howard Keith “Bambino” armchair is a piece of history of a company, HK Furniture, and mid-century British design. By absorbing creative influences from abroad, but formulating a distinctive home-grown approach, Howard Keith was among the British designers to pioneer the use of new materials and manufacturing techniques, whilst maintaining links with the vernacular tradition.

The Bambino chair was produced in Keith’s factories in the late 1940s and early 50s. Like the first models, this chair is also constructed of solid beech and is fully upholstered. The shapes and curves of this chair are very pronounced and harmonious. Sculptural form was an important design element for post-war British design, and that is clearly a guiding principle in this Bambino chair as well. It is most evident in the beech arms and the winged back that complement each other’s curves. With classic button tufting, the back has an elegant look, enhanced by the original light upholstery. The sculpted arms run from the very base of the seat, which is a neat detail, especially from the side views. The chair is supported by tapered legs that add to the classic, yet sleek design that defines this Bambino.

Founded in 1933 by Howard Keith, HK established a name for high-quality upholstered products early on. Having appeared in the film ‘Rocketman’, the Diplomat sofa might be the flagship design for HK, nonetheless, the Bambino is their most coveted chair design. Taking into account its traditional elegance and quality, it is easy to understand why.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. This chair comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. 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:

27.16 in W x 33.46 in D x 35.03 in H; Seat height 15.74 in

69 cm W x 85 cm D x 89 cm H; Seat height 40 cm

About the Designer:

Howard Keith was born Hans Krebs in 1902 in Germany and changed his name when he came to England around 1933, presumably to escape Nazi Germany.

Founded in 1933 by Howard Keith, HK established a name for high-quality upholstered products. Howard Keith was a designer and maker of stylish upholstered furniture producing designs for a great number of companies. Chairs like the Encore, Viking and Bambino and lounge seating such as Diplomat and Cloud ensured Howard Keith’s position as one of the country’s top furniture designers in the 1940s and 50s. Keith’s company was highly successful in making modern designs for domestic sofas and chairs well into the 1970s, before becoming one of Europe’s top high-end contract upholstery manufacturer. HK designs provided furniture for the QE2, Marlborough House, The Royal Train during the Queen’s jubilee year, the States of Jersey Parliament, the Stock Exchange Boardroom, BP’s headquarters and supplies leather seating for the Portcullis House, new parliament building at Westminster.

In the 1970s, HK started manufacturing high-end conference tables and executive desks and became known for craftsmanship, quality and design winning contracts for major blue-chip organizations such as The Bank of England, The Stock Exchange, Barclays and BP. In 2000, HK made the news desk for BBC South East. Today, the company still specializes in high-quality, custom-made executive and conference room furniture. ~H.

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

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This beautiful Danish lounge chair is an early example of Scandinavian mid-century modern design as well as outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and their users. The period from roughly the 1940s through the 1960s was a high point for Danish furniture makers, and this chair shows why.

Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this lounge chair is a Danish delicacy with a unique look. With its classic shape paired with modern design elements, this model combines the best design characteristics of the 1940s. The large, enveloping backrest dictates the shape of this chair, as it forms most of the structure, including the armrests. The curvature creates an inviting and open look, enhanced by the soft velour upholstery. The inside of the upholstered back is sectioned with rope trimming, which creates a shell-like look. The thick, bun feet-like front legs are a pleasant touch. The warm brown colour of the stained wood nicely contrasts to the mustard colour of the velour, not to mention that thick wooden feet make a long-lasting, rock solid foundation for any chair. The chair’s back legs differ, they are straight, which is an eccentric detail that adds visual interest. Master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities, therefore this lounge chair provides support for the back and great sitting comfort.

Through decades of changes in styles and preferences, the various iterations of what has come to be called Danish Modern have managed to go on “speaking” to consumers, collectors, and design aficionados – and most importantly to users – in rapidly changing cultures. This early Danish mid-century lounge chair shows why: it has both a cosy and a luxurious appearance, exuding the craftsmanship of Danish master cabinetmakers.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some scratches and marks. This chair comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. 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:

34.25 in W x 33.46 in D x 27.55 in H; Seat height 14.56 in

87 cm W x 85 cm D x 70 cm H; Seat height 37 cm

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‎Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

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In December 2016, the term "hygge" was so popular that the New York Times ran an explainer on the concept. This ideal of comfortable conviviality can be expressed in many ways, including furniture and thus, this pair of beautiful armchairs.

Designers in the post-war period focused on simple, well-made pieces of home-grown and exotic woods alike such as teak and walnut. The teak frames of this pair are outstanding, both in visual and technical terms. The sculptural slats are arranged symmetrically to form the arms, flowing seamlessly into the legs. They also give the chairs an airy, light look despite being made of solid wood. The armrests have a beautiful curvature that ties in with the unique backs’ curve that is visible through the slats. The wooden detail under the seats however, follows the lines of the seat cushions, as they both face downwards. This creates a great visual balance between the straight and curved lines. The permanently reclined position of the backs assure comfort, aided by the soft green velour fabric the seats and backs are covered in. The light twisted cord trimming highlights the shape of the backs, also serving as subtle decorative elements. The legs are tapered in a characteristically Danish manner and frame the slats visually, creating a cohesive look.

While the arms are certainly the standout design elements of this pair at first sight, the teak frames are just as stunning with subtle brass screws and carefully sculpted shapes and forms. The high level of woodworking is apparent, making this pair a true mid-century masterpiece.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These chairs come with their original upholstery or have been reupholstered by a previous owner. 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:

26.18 in W x 29.13 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Arm height 24.01 in

66.5 cm W x 74 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Arm height 61 cm

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

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“Danish Modern” is a recognized term around the world standing for the characteristic style of Danish design created during the 20th century. As this elegant three-seater sofa shows, the style is characterized by clarity in design and extremely high quality in craftsmanship and choice of materials.

Thanks to its subtle but pronounced curves, this sofa is inherently elegant while also keeping the warmth and cosiness that is often associated with mid-century Danish design. The standout visual element is the scalloped back that echoes the legacy of Art Deco that had a lasting influence on the Nordic countries as well. Many of the well-known Danish architects felt the urge to try their hands at “Nordic Art Deco”, even though the style’s focus on luxury and decorative elements is in its nature in opposition to the ideas behind Danish design and constitutes a creative contradiction to the period’s streamlined modernism. Nevertheless, in combination with the unadorned style of Danish mid-century modern design, this sofa brings together the best of both styles. On the decoration front, besides the scalloped back and tufted buttons - the red twisted cord trim stands out, especially against the rose upholstery. The cord accentuates the curves and outlines the sofa visually. The visual appearance however, is not the only thing that echoes Danish design, but also the exquisite craftsmanship under the fully upholstered body. The tapered wood legs add a modern, organic feel to the sofa. The front legs differ in their angle and shape from the back ones that are lightly splayed for additional stability.

Today the best pieces of Danish modern furniture have taken on a second life as collectors’ items. Exemplified by this sofa are the reasons why: timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship completed by a distinctive cosiness that is Danish to the core.

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Condition:

In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. 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:

68.11 in W x 29.13 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Arm height 23.22 in

173 cm W x 74 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Arm height 59 cm

About the designer:

The practical and comfortable designs of Danish cabinetmakers defined mid-20th century modern seating. The Danish Cabinetmakers focused on minimalist design executed by expertly skilled craftsmen.

Works from the Danish Cabinet-Makers' Guild is a concept of its own in collectible design. The Cabinet-Makers' Guild began annual exhibitions in 1927 in Copenhagen. The group formed an exhibit showing each year in October the quality furniture made to drawings by gifted architects. The exhibition took place each year, without interruption, for forty years. A number of successful Danish Design collaborations were formed during this time between cabinetmakers and architects.

Danish Modernism has influenced Scandinavian furniture to a great degree, defined by minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The muted colours and gentle designs make Danish mid-century furniture an ideal addition to contemporary living spaces. Additionally, master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities.

The works of master cabinetmakers – such as this sofa– are of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Cabinetmakers take the art of working with wood one step further, and focus on the finer details of what can be created with the material. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that numerous master cabinetmakers are part of the renowned Danish Culture Canon (Danish: Kulturkanonen). The canon contains no more than 108 works of cultural excellence, based on works with a useful function and that are still recognizable today. This small armchair is the perfect illustration of Danish design, and the work of a true cabinetmaker. ~H.

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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

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This beautiful Danish two-seater sofa is an early example of what became known as Danish Mid-Century Modern design. With a classic mid-century look, this model is the perfect piece to bring the coveted style into any interior.

Modernism was an escape from the rigidity of Realism, and a multitude of cultural and aesthetic movements grew from it. Design wise, Modernism in Denmark incorporated Scandinavia’s core values into the movement, including praising nature and its forms in art, human creativity and faithfulness to traditional materials and craftsmanship. These traits can be traced in the organic forms and cosiness of this sofa. The vertical stripes of the velour upholstery visually elongate the model, while the button tufting breaks these lines to add depth. The visual appearance of this sofa however, is not the only thing that echoes Danish design; the exquisite craftsmanship under the upholstered body is evident, creating the rounded outline of the design. The back effortlessly comes forth to form the arms that curve outwards, adding to the inviting shape. The beech tapered legs ensure stability, and further lengthen the design visually.

This two-seater sofa has its original upholstery with velour stripes, accentuating the wooden legs and the mid-century look. The fabric brings an additional layer of interest to a space and pairs well with the rounded shapes of this sofa. Scandinavian textiles are still world renowned for their quality and power to define not only a piece of furniture, but the whole space it is placed in.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. 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:

55.51 in W x 32.28 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 15.74 in

141 cm W x 82 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 40 cm

While there are several unique Danish designs from the mid-century, this bench redefines what counts as one-of-a-kind. This unusual model points to a master craftsman with an imaginative spirit, who did not back down from reimagining what a bench entails.

Sitting down, side by side is a practical way of seating, but also an important social activity as the annual Cabinetmakers' exhibition at Designmuseum Danmark showed a couple of years ago. In that exhibition, the works explored ideas about how we sit together, and the designers and cabinetmakers explored how the shape and arrangement of seats influences how we react or respond to other people. Among the most suitable forms of seating is the bench, and in this case, a uniquely curved one, a banana bench so to say. Unlike many wooden benches, this five-seater, beech wood model is upholstered, with both the seats and backrest covered in beautiful green fabric. Visually it appears as if six individual chairs were “melted” together, with shared legs and one long, fused backrest. The bench is mounted on thirteen tapered legs and is entirely symmetrical in its design.

The stained beech frame is exceptional both in visual and technical terms. This bench retains its original upholstery, with decorative cording running through the backrest. Danish designers have always pushed the boundaries to make us reassess what we assume should be the shape or form of a chair, and this curved bench is a perfect example of this sentiment.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair retains its original green upholstery. One corner of the seat has small holes. 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:

95.27 in W x 41.73 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 19.29 in

242 cm W x 106 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 49 cm

About the Designer:

The practical and comfortable designs of Danish cabinetmakers defined mid-20th century modern seating. The Danish Cabinetmakers focused on minimalist design executed by expertly skilled craftsmen.

Works from the Danish Cabinetmakers' Guild is a concept of its own in collectible design. The Cabinet-Makers' Guild began annual exhibitions in 1927 in Copenhagen. The group formed an exhibit showing each year in October the quality furniture made to drawings by gifted architects. The exhibition took place each year, without interruption, for forty years. A number of successful Danish Design collaborations were formed during this time between cabinetmakers and architects.

Danish Modernism has influenced Scandinavian furniture to a great degree, defined by minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The muted colours and gentle designs make Danish mid-century furniture an ideal addition to contemporary living spaces. Additionally, master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities.

The works of master cabinetmakers – such as this chair – are of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. cabinetmakers take the art of working with wood one step further, and focus on the finer details of what can be created with the material. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that numerous master cabinetmakers are part of the renowned Danish Culture Canon (Danish: Kulturkanonen). The canon contains no more than 108 works of cultural excellence, based on works with a useful function and that are still recognizable today. This small armchair is the perfect illustration of Danish design, and the work of a true cabinetmaker. ~H.