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

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The shape of this “No. 55” shell chair indicates the design of an architect. Indeed, Arne Hovmand-Olsen was a prolific Danish designer and architect, whose designs centered around the traditional values of Scandinavian design: simple and clear lines.

This “No. 55” chair showcases simplicity with just the right amount of visual interest and clever details to distinguish it from other chairs of the period. Arne Hovmand-Olsen belongs to a group of exciting Danish furniture designers who chose to experiment with both form and materials, which is reflected in this model as well. The shell is made of moulded plywood, and rests on an oaken base and legs.

This specific model was one of the first experiments with plywood at the manufacturer, P. Jeppesen, and was not a commercial success. Because of this, the production of this model was limited, even though it was featured in advertisements thanks to its graphic shape. This also means that the present chair is rarely offered, especially with such unusual tags. The metal tags from the manufacturer along with the “Dannebrog” (Danish flag) and the designer’s name suggest that this chair was used for an exhibition or trade fair to represent Denmark and Danish design in the 1950s.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Normal patina due to age and use, including scratches and marks. Recently reupholstered in a premium 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:

30.70 in W x 23.81 in D x 27.95 in H; Seat height 13.77 in

78 cm W x 60.5 cm D x 71 cm H; Seat height 35 cm

Literature: “Mobilia” 1955, no. 7, p. 29.

About the designer:

Arne Hovmand-Olsen (1919 – 1989) was born in 1919 in Kirkeby Sogn, Denmark into a family working in agriculture. He quickly developed an interest in drawing and handiwork.

Hovmand-Olsen started his career in 1938 by an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker for P. Olsen Sibast, where he was sent by his family. Upon the completion of his apprenticeship in 1941, Arne joined a furniture designing school in Aarhus to fulfil his dream of designing furniture. Once he finished his training program, he founded his own workshop, and began designing modern furniture with clean lines and simple forms for leading manufacturers, such as Bramin and Mogens Kold. His style is very much in the organic, natural style that defines mid-century Scandinavian furniture.

During the 1950s and 60s there was a huge demand for Danish furniture and design throughout Europe and the US, this led to Hovmand-Olsen’s work becoming recognised and coveted internationally. His designs quickly gained great success: he not only sold his furniture in Denmark, but also in the United States where he became very popular. His workshop closed during the 1970s due to illness. ~H.