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

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This rare “Model 214” armchair was designed by Danish designer and architect Kurt Olsen, and unifies some of the best characteristics of mid-century Danish design and craftsmanship.

The unique design of this chair is in big part thanks to Olsen’s background in architecture as well as design. The stained wood frame shows the architectural influence with its geometric lines especially visible in the arms. Kurt Olsen liked to find non-conventional ways to present the area where the legs and armrests meet, in this case by forming them from the same piece of wood. This results in a beautifully flowing frame to which the upholstered body grasps. Quite literally, as the upholstered armrests appear to be grasping the wooden arms uniquely. The seat cushion is quite voluptuous, and together with the slightly reclined backrest it creates a highly comfortable design. The enveloping back and upholstered armrests further add to the comfort making this model one of Olsen’s most comfortable seating designs. The backrest has gentle rounded edges with button tufting which adds softness to this model. On the bottom, the mark of the maker with the model number is visible.

In the mid-fifties, Kurt Olsen designed for Slagelse Møbelvaerk where master joiners A. Andersen and Bohm made a lot of his designs. This armchair is an outstanding result of this fruitful collaboration. The solid, stained wood has a beautiful grain which contrasts nicely with the ­­­light upholstery.

Condition:

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

Dimensions:

26.77 in W x 31.1 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 13.77 in

68 cm W x 79 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 35 cm

About the designer:

Kurt Olsen is one of the more anonymous designers, even though his designs are well-known and truly stunning. Mid-fifties Kurt Olsen designed primarily for the Danish manufactory, Slagelse Møbelvaerk, where master joiners A. Andersen and Bohm made a lot of his designs. This collaboration resulted in an array of seating furniture culminating in his masterpiece lounge- and armchairs.

Furniture from Slagelse Møbelvaerk is considered to be essential in any good collection of Danish mid-century furniture. The Danish furniture manufacturer produced a substantial part of many Danish designers’ models between the 1940s and 1970s, including Kurt Ostervig, Arne Vodder, Ib Kofod-Larsen, and Kurt Olsen.

Slagelse collaborated with an array of renewing Danish designers to bring new and daring designs. At Slagelse Møbelvaerk, Kurt Olsen and his fellow designers got to work with a team of highly skilled craftsmen, who allowed their designs’ complex shapes and joints to take form. ~H.