Beech Slatback Chairs by Børge Mogensen for FDB Møbler, Denmark 1960s
Beech Slatback Chairs by Børge Mogensen for FDB Møbler, Denmark 1960s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The designs of Borge Mogensen aimed at functionality, minimalist appearance and easy accessibility. This pair of slatback chairs is perhaps one of the best examples of these principles of the Danish master with a rustic yet modern design.
The most attention-grabbing visual element of this rare model is the backrest with eight wooden spindles that create an airy look that recalls the traditional slatback chair style. The curved top rails have a sculptural look mimicked by the armrests that are also supported by individual slats. This creates a unified appearance that highlights the diverse shapes and the natural beauty of the beech wood and its versatile grain. Interesting details are to be found everywhere in the design, including the perfectly fitted seat cushions and the uniquely arranged stretchers connecting the legs. As the lower structure with the legs and stretchers combine straight lines with round shapes, the design gains a sculptural look that is appealing from all angles. The structure displays a beautiful contrast between the smooth beech frame and the elegant and textured bouclé fabric of the cushions. The chair’s manufacturer, FDB Møbler is a Danish furniture company established in 1942, and Børge Mogensen served as the design studio’s manager. Mogensen and the designers he employed came from the Copenhagen Cabinetmaker's Guild tradition and were unwilling to prioritize anything over craftsmanship and quality.
Extremely modest and confident at the same time is how these chairs can be best described. Mogensen preferred to work with traditional and natural materials, but also liked to experiment with new techniques; the resulting models are Danish Modern classics.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. The chairs’ cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé 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:
23.42 in W x 24.4 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Arm height 25.39 in
59.5 cm W x 62 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Arm height 64.5 cm
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.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Among the collection of talented individuals who have worked for Artifort, Theo Ruth was the acclaimed Dutch furniture manufacturer’s first permanent designer. Ruth’s work significantly advanced Artifort’s laudable reputation, specifically through his designs of chairs. His most famous chair is the 1952 “Congo” model that enjoyed great success.
This pair of “Congo” chairs is representative of Ruth’s craftsmanship and talent. The model is full of exceptional features and details that make it a unique example of the creative overflow that defined mid-century modernism in The Netherlands and Europe. The flowing structure displays beautifully curved lines and rounded edges, ensuring extreme comfort and emphasizing its ergonomic design. The distinct look is the result of the brilliant pairing of materials. The wooden legs’ smooth lines stand out against the textural shearling, while also accentuating the unique look of the upholstery. The soft fibres of the lightweight, feathery shearling drape beautifully over the lounge chairs, while the darker brown colour of the wood adds depth. Mid-century European designers and cabinetmakers were very firm about two things regarding seating designs: the sitting experience must be comfortable and that the model had to look good from every single angle. The ‘Congo’ model fulfills these principles with its arm-less body and interesting, curved legs. As with most lounge chairs, this model is also built in a permanently reclined position, another lovely feature.
Today, Theo Ruth's furniture designs are considered to be important examples of mid-century modern design, and his work continues to be highly valued by collectors and design enthusiasts around the world.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in Mongolian shearling. 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:
22.04 in W x 35.43 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 19.68 in
56 cm W x 90 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 50 cm