Svend Skipper “Model 91” Lounge Chair for Skippers Møbler, Denmark 1960s
















Svend Skipper “Model 91” Lounge Chair for Skippers Møbler, Denmark 1960s
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This chair is the most recognizable model of Danish designer and manufacturer, Svend Skipper, and a great example of the mid-century design era. Skipper only created commissioned pieces, meaning none of his designs were mass-produced.
“Model 91” features a masterfully sculpted teak base and legs. The teak tips “poke out” at the end of the upholstered armrests, which is a very characteristic design element of this model. The high, wing-back with tufted buttons arranged in a single, horizontal line. The loose cushion on the seat provides great sitting comfort while also adding to the welcoming look. These details create a sculptural silhouette that made this model popular already in its time.
The design was created in 1956 and this particular piece was manufactured by Skipper Møbelfabrik in the 1960s. For its resemblance to Hans J. Wegner’s “Papa Bear” chair, this model is often referred to by that name, however, “Model 91” was only made on order. Skipper’s craftsmanship and quality can be observed in every single detail, from the exposed teak arms, to the distinctive shape and level of comfort.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium light wool. 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:
31.29 in W x 34.05 in D x 38.58 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
79.5 cm W x 86.5 cm D x 98 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
Literature:
Mobilia Volume 6 #73 August 1961, edited by Paul Henningsen & Gunnar Bratvold. Published by [Snekkersten: Mobilia, 1961]
About the designer:
Svend Skipper was a Danish furniture designer and manufacturer. Skipper Møbelfabrik was founded in 1955 by the namesake and has since produced seating furniture as a Danish craft for almost 6 decades. The manufacturer still exists, and “Model 91” has been relaunched in 2011 as a response to its growing popularity and rarity. ~H.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eu
Danish Mid-Century Modern furniture reflected Scandinavian materials and craftsmanship and mixed them with a modern style, and the period from roughly 1940 through 1960 was a high point for Danish furniture makers. This set shows why.
This particular chair silhouette has been popular since the 1930s, from around the time Flemming Lassen designed the overstuffed easy chair, the “Tired Man”, for The Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Competition in 1935. The curved and organic lines of the design create an elegant silhouette for both the chair and ottoman. The design of this chair is characterized by organic, curved shapes that create a cosy and welcoming sensation. Since the enveloping back forms the arms as well but doesn’t reach all the way to the beginning of the seat, the design is very open and appears light. The gentle lines are highlighted by the soft wool blend upholstery that uniquely covers the entire bodies of the chair and footstool, including the legs as well. As a representation of early modernist seating, there is a profound focus on comfort and cosiness, that invokes a pleasant homelike feeling. Master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities, therefore this lounge chair provides support for the back and great sitting comfort.
We have added a newly produced matching, upholstered footstool to provide additional comfort and visual interest. Its design matches the chair with its round shape and soft wool blend upholstery. Together, they form a cosy and luxurious set that exudes Danish design and craftsmanship.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium wool blend fabric; the ottoman is a later addition, upholstered in the same fabric as the chair. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
Chair
30.31 in W x 30.31 in D x 26.77 in H; Seat height 16.53 in
77 cm W x 77 cm D x 68 cm H; Seat height 42 cm
Footstool
27.16 in W x 22.63 in D x 14.76 in H
69 cm W x 57.5 cm D x 37.5 cm H
About the Designer:
Thepractical 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 Cabinet-Makers' 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.