Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Danish Modern Teak Sofa Set
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:Minerva 417 ABCCMinerva Series
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 147 in (373.38 cm)Depth: 29.75 in (75.57 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 3
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950's
- Condition:Repaired: Minor repair to one of the tabs that holds one spring strap in place. Please see image for detail. Original fabric has wear. Light wear, minor scuffs and scratching to frames. Structurally very solid.
- Seller Location:Fulton, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5539236230582
Peter Hvidt
One half of the influential Danish furniture duo Hvidt and Mølgaard, architect and designer Peter Hvidt created shapely works in teak and rosewood that could be mass-produced and transported at a scale rarely seen before his time. Alongside his business partner, Aalborg-born designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, the pair crafted furniture which stands today as a masterclass in the combination of elegance and practicality that is typical of Scandinavian modernism.
Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry, and graduated from the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Hvidt established his own design firm in 1940 and taught for three years at his former school, during which he designed the teak Portex chair — Denmark’s first stacking chair (this design has alternatively been attributed to Hvidt’s partnership with Mølgaard-Nielsen over the years).
The exceptional collaboration between Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen took shape in 1944. A student of pioneering Danish modernist designer and architect Kaare Klint and fellow graduate of the School of Arts and Crafts, Mølgaard brought his technical prowess and eye for practical design to the partnership. Together, for more than three decades, Hvidt and Mølgaard would produce over 250 furniture designs, a legacy that included the iconic AX chair.
A masterpiece of technical expertise and innovative woodworking, the sculptural AX armchair was designed in collaboration with manufacturer Fritz Hansen during the late 1940s. It features double-curved laminated wood in the seat and back, and is an early example of knock-down furniture. This meant that it could be easily dismantled and assembled at its destination, which rendered the chair economical for transport on cargo ships and therefore could reach a worldwide audience. The AX went into production in 1950 and eventually gave way to a series that featured tables and other seating.
Hvidt’s proclivity for forward-looking design was typical of the venturesome furniture makers of the mid-century modern era. This extended to textures and materials, too — he believed that a tasteful combination of materials could add character and visual intrigue. With Mølgaard-Nielsen, Hvidt designed streamlined coffee tables, rosewood chairs upholstered with sumptuous black leather and teak side tables with cane shelves (teak was a sought-after material for designers at the time).
The duo’s work with celebrated manufacturers Fritz Hansen, France & Søn and Søborg Møbelfabrik has been a part of exhibitions at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen’s Design Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Peter Hvidt seating, tables and case pieces.
France & Søn
Danish manufacturer France & Søn is best known for its prolific output of elegant mid-century modern furnishings in teak and leather, yet its multinational beginnings took shape during the 1930s.
After businessman Charles William Fearnley France (1897–1972) moved from his native England to Denmark in 1936, he began to operate a small mattress factory alongside his friend Eric Daverkosen, a Danish cabinetmaker, under the name France & Daverkosen. Shortly afterward, Daverkosen passed away, and when Denmark was invaded during the Second World War, Charles was captured and sent to a prison camp in Germany. When he was released, the British entrepreneur set out to produce furniture in the early 1950s, setting up a shop in Hillerød to manufacture the kind of sleek beech and teak goods that were gaining widespread acclaim around the world. In 1957, France’s son James joined the business, and the company changed its name to reflect the addition.
Throughout the ’50s and ’60s, France & Søn produced a stunning array — and staggering quantity — of designs, with elegant modernist lounge chairs and armchairs, teak and rosewood dining tables and other furnishings by the likes of Finn Juhl, Grete Valk, Ole Wanscher, Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen all gracing its catalogues.
Even as there was a focus on mass production at France & Søn — and the brand doesn’t quite enjoy the same renown as fellow mid-century Danish furniture makers such as Carl Hansen & Søn — Charles France believed in making quality furniture, and the company’s offerings evoke the warmth of the handcrafted work that is typically associated with Scandinavian modernism.
In the 1960s, the company was bought by Danish designer Poul Cadovius, who folded it into the operations at CADO, a company he founded during the 1950s. Surviving examples of early work from the brand as well as modern icons by the likes of Verner Panton that followed in later years continue to be in demand.
Find a collection of France & Søn furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Fulton, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Teak Danish Modern Desk / SecretaryLocated in Fulton, CAA teak Danish Modern desk. Unusual form, varying from a secretary, vanity and drop front desk design. Desk surface slides out to expand writing sur...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
MaterialsTeak
- Arne Vodder Attributed Teak Danish Modern DeskBy Arne VodderLocated in Fulton, CAFine teak Danish Modern expanding desk attributed to Arne Vodder. Denmark, circa. 1960's. Finished on all 4 sides with 3 graduated drawers and additional storage on back side. Side o...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
MaterialsTeak
- Large Scale Teak Danish Modern Credenza by Gunni OmannBy Axel Christiansen Odder, Gunni OmannLocated in Fulton, CAExceptional, over-sized teak Danish Modern credenza designed by Gunni Ohmann. Denmark, circa. 1960'[s. Features 4 sliding doors with sculpted teak pulls. Notice that the sculptural p...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas
MaterialsTeak
- Teak Scandinavian Modern Tile Coffee TableBy Mobelfabrikken ToftenLocated in Fulton, CAA teak and ceramic tile top Danish Modern coffee table. Made by Mobelfabrikken Toften, Norway. Circa. 1970. A set of 18 abstract gold and brown tiles in teak frame. Very good origina...Category
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsCeramic, Teak
- Teak Scandinavian Modern Tile End Tables A PairBy Mobelfabrikken ToftenLocated in Fulton, CANice pair of Danish Modern teak and ceramic tile top side or end tables. Each table has 4 abstract gold and brown tiles. Made by Mobelfabrikken Toften, Norway, 1970's. Very good, ori...Category
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern End Tables
MaterialsCeramic, Teak
- Rosewood Danish Modern Storage Cabinet by DyrlundBy DyrlundLocated in Fulton, CAHandsome Danish Modern storage cabinet by Dyrlund of Denmark. Six cabinet doors with book-matched wood grain, Adjustable shelving interior. Origi...Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
MaterialsRosewood
- Danish Teak "Minerva" Sectional Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-NielsenBy France & Daverkosen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter HvidtLocated in North Hollywood, CAFabulous Danish teak “Minerva” sectional sofa / daybed designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen in Denmark, circa 1950s. This set has an avant-garde de...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsChrome
- Danish Vintage Teak Sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard NielsenBy Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & SønLocated in London, GBA stunning Danish vintage teak sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen. This was made in Denmark by France and Son, it dates from the 1960’s. ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsBouclé, Teak
- Expertly Restored - Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Teak & Cane Daybed SofaBy Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & SønLocated in Los Angeles, CA________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Cane, Wood, Teak
- Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark 19By France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter HvidtLocated in Hellouw, NLStunning ‘minerva’ sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn from the 1960s. Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen have played a significant role in the internatio...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Teak
- Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Teak ArmchairBy Peter Hvidt, John Stuart Inc., Orla Mølgaard-NielsenLocated in Garnerville, NYPeter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen teak scoop armchair. Manufactured in Denmark by France and Daverkosen. Freshly upholstered fabric a...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsTeak, Upholstery
- Danish Design Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen Teak, 1950By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & DaverkosenLocated in Ijzendijke, NLExtremely rare & stunning! This fully original ''Minerva seating group'' by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen 1950. The design & luxurious feeling of this set are just superb. The combination of teak, rattan, wool & chrome are breathtaking. It looks stunning from any angle with the minimalist teak & chrome backrests so you can place it in the center of your room. The set has its original finish & original padded wool upholstery in grey/green. which remains in amazing condition! The FD516 coffee table...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
MaterialsChrome