Armchair in Pine with Cowhide Seating, Europe 1950s
















Armchair in Pine with Cowhide Seating, Europe 1950s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The 1950s saw brilliant designers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored modern shapes and forms. These designers experimented with new materials and construction methods. This armchair is an example of how successful these experiments were.
This armchair features a simplistic structure and a completely arresting silhouette. The lines are crisp and elegant, aiding the stability, comfort and ergonomic design. The invisible, smooth joinery, the raised seat and the precise pine structure are especially expressive of the mastery of the cabinetmaker. The main visual element however, remains to be the upholstery which slopes down and doubles as the seat and backrest. The brown cowhide is very textural, which stands out against the smoothness of the wood. The use of cowhide is usually reserved for occasional chairs or accent chairs as they raise the aesthetic level significantly. Mid-century modern design, with a golden age during the 1950s, prioritised clean lines, simplicity, and a connection with nature. This chair exemplifies these principles, as the linearity of the wood and the use of cowhide evoke a sense of harmony and balance. The armchair, while exuding elegance, remains remarkably functional.
This piece preserves the value and beauty of master craftsmanship and exquisite materials, and would make a lovely addition to any interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
26.97 in W x 32.48 in D x 16.14 in H; Seat height 12.20 in; Seat depth 17.72 in; Arm height 18.11 in
68.5 cm W x 82.5 cm D x 41 cm H; Seat height 31 cm; Seat depth 45 cm; Arm height 46 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Illum Wikkelsø was a recognisable figure of Danish seating design in the post-war decades, known for creating furniture that combined sculptural silhouettes with a strong emphasis on comfort. Working throughout the 1950s and 1960s with manufacturers such as Søren Willadsen, Wikkelsø developed lounge chairs and sofas that softened the stricter geometry of earlier modernism through curved lines. His designs often relied on exposed wood, generous upholstery, and carefully balanced proportions, allowing seating to feel visually substantial without becoming heavy.
Model “110” reflects this approach through its dramatic winged silhouette and restrained material palette. The chair is upholstered in black leather that wraps continuously around the high back, seat, and armrests, emphasizing the sculptural quality of the form. The backrest rises upward into pronounced side panels that connect the wings to the armrests. The sides curve gently forward, creating a protective and enveloping shape around the sitter. These extended sides visually frame the head and shoulders. The leather surface contributes to the overall character of the piece: its subtle texture catches light differently across the curved sections, giving depth to the large upholstered planes. In contrast to the dark upholstery, the chair rests on a solid wooden base with angled legs that introduce warmth and visual lightness. The exposed wood creates a clear separation between the upholstered body and the floor.
The balance between softness and structure is central to the success of this design. The chair carries the commanding presence associated with high-back lounge seating, yet the flowing transitions between its elements prevent it from feeling rigid. Wikkelsø’s ability to merge comfort with sculptural clarity is especially evident here, making the model equally compelling as functional seating and as a statement piece within an interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. The chair comes with its original leather that has developed a natural patina over time. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.93 in W x 35.04 in D x 35.44 in H; Seat height 14.57 in; Seat depth 21.26 in; Arm height 21.66 in
76 cm W x 89 cm D x 90 cm H; Seat height 37 cm; Seat depth 54 cm; Arm height 55 cm