Two Bookcases by Børge Mogensen for C. M. Madsen, Denmark 1950s
Two Bookcases by Børge Mogensen for C. M. Madsen, Denmark 1950s
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
These impressive bookcases designed by Børge Mogensen reflect the Danish designer’s aesthetic that was clean and highly functional, creating pieces that stand out despite their restrained design.
The pair is made of rosewood with a beautiful woodgrain that is visible throughout the bodies. The bookcases' tops, flanks, fronts and shelves are constructed of solid wood. The shelves are all easily adjustable and removable. Each bookcase features five adjustable shelves, a feature of functionality. The shelves can be arranged in multiple ways to accommodate books or other objects of various sizes, and thanks to the open front, these bookcases are perfect to showcase any item. Both bookcases stand sturdily on the distinctively sculpted, black lacquered rosewood legs. The subtle geometry of the base and the colour blocking legs add modernism to the design while also balancing out the heaviness of the body.
Børge Mogensen’s present design for C. M. Madsen Cabinetmakers Denmark was manufactured by the Danish company, FDB Møbler. Both bookcases are stamped with the cabinetmaker's mark and production number on their backs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Both items have some discolouration and a later made (cable) hole that has been restored by a piece of coloured plywood.
Dimensions:
48.03 in W x 10.23 in D x 62.59 in H
122 cm W x 26 cm D x 159 cm H
About the Designer:
Børge Mogensen is without a doubt one of the most famous Danish designers. Born in 1914 in Aalborg, Mogensen was trained as a cabinet maker 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.