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Ole Wanscher Side Chairs

Danish, 1903-1985

A scholar and architect with the heart of an artist, Ole Wanscher helped define the functional, clean-cut style that formed the core of modern Danish furniture design. Influenced heavily by his world travels, Wanscher gained inspiration from English, Asian, Egyptian and traditional Shaker furniture, and he incorporated elements from these styles into his revered mid-century designs.

Wanscher’s deep respect for the use of traditional materials such as quality wood is reflected in his work, which is valued for being both beautiful and built to last. He was also a leader in the postwar “design for everyone” movement, creating many pieces intended for everyday life within the small confines of the average Danish household. Later, Wanscher became a prolific writer on the subject of furniture design. He is considered one of the most significant influences on the world of Scandinavian modernism.

The son of an art historian and a painter, Wanscher studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. From 1925 to 1927, Wanscher worked under the great Danish designer and professor Kaare Klint, who became one of the greatest stylistic influences on his output. Wanscher would go on to work as a professor at the academy from 1955 to 1973.

Wanscher founded his own furniture manufacturing company in 1929. Here he employed the top cabinetmakers of the day, most notably A.J. Iversen, with whom Wanscher collaborated for many years. While the workshop produced seductive handmade furniture with organic materials such as teak and mahogany, Wanscher intended to design durable seating, tables and more for the mass market — he was committed to making quality furniture available to a wider audience.

Of all of Wanscher’s designs, he is perhaps best known for his Colonial chair. This piece — which is part of a collection for Danish manufacturer P. Jeppesens that includes a sofa and a coffee table — exemplifies his penchant for combining minimalist design with traditional craftsmanship. Wanscher’s dining room tables, such as the Rungstedlund table, also epitomize the elegance of his work’s simple silhouettes and careful construction. These sleek tables serve as an ideal centerpiece for both modern and traditionally styled dining rooms, highlighting the versatility of Wanscher’s work.

Wanscher received a gold medal for his exemplary work at the 1960 Milan Triennale. He also received the Copenhagen Carpenters’ Guild Annual Award. Though Wanscher passed away in 1985, his iconic designs and scholarly writings remain relevant to this day.

Find vintage Ole Wanscher tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Ole Wanscher
Ole Wanscher Set of Twelve Refinished Mahogany Dining Chairs, Custom Upholstery
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
This set of 12 mahogany Rungstedlund dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher were produced during the 1960s and 1970s by Poul Jeppesen Furniture. The dining chairs are part of the Rungstedlund dining furniture series designed by Ole Wanscher and named after author and adventurer Karen Blixen...
Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Ole Wanscher set of Six Refinished Mahogany Dining Chairs, Custom Upholstery
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
This set of six mahogany Rungstedlund dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher were produced during the 1960s and 1970s by Poul Jeppesen Furniture. The dining chairs are part of the ...
Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Set of Two Danish Leather Side Chairs, 1950
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful set of Danish leather side chairs by Ole Wanscher, matching high and low back versions, solid dark beech frames with chocolate colored, tufted leather cushions, measurement...
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1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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Ole Wanscher side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Ole Wanscher side chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ole Wanscher side chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original side chairs by Ole Wanscher were created in the mid-century modern style in scandinavia during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider side chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Arne Vodder, and Hans J. Wegner. Prices for Ole Wanscher side chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,800 and can go as high as $8,690, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,205.

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