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.