1960s Ole Wanscher Mahogany Desk
About the Item
- Creator:Ole Wanscher (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 27.56 in (70 cm)Width: 59.06 in (150 cm)Depth: 27.56 in (70 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Refinished.
- Seller Location:Madrid, ES
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5879237523412
Ole Wanscher
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Madrid, Spain
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- 1960’s Ole Wanscher ‘OW 149’ or ‘Colonial’ Armchair in Mahogany and LeatherBy Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole WanscherLocated in Madrid, ESOle Wanscher Model ‘OW 149’ or ‘Colonial’ armchair for Poul Jeppessen Møbelfabrik. Sweden, 1960s. Ole Wanscher was a key player in Denmark's Mid-Century Modern movement. In the pos...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Mahogany
- Mid-century modern Severin Hansen Teak DeskBy Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin HansenLocated in Madrid, ESDesk designed by Severin Hansen in Teak wood for Haslev Møbelsnedkeri. Denmark, 1958 Simple and refined lines, featuring four frontal drawers with the desinger’s signature diagonal wood ensamble, the drawers are both a functional and a decorative element, the back of the desk can be displayed as it is finished in a refined teak wood back. Danish designer Severin Hansen's iconic Model 36 desk...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsTeak
- 1950s Teak and Beech Desk by David RosenBy NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), David RosénLocated in Madrid, ESWriting desk in teak and beech with end extensions and two drawers by David Rosen for Nordiska Kompaniet. Sweden 50s. Fully restored. David Rosen was a Swedish designer whose work i...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- 1960s Dutch ChairsLocated in Madrid, ESFour chairs in Bulrush and wood covered metal from unknown designer. Netherlands, 1960’s Very good vintage condition, with use signs related to age.Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- 1960s Johannes Andersen Coffee TableBy Johannes AndersenLocated in Madrid, ESCoffee table designed by Johannes Andersen for Tresum. Sweden, 1960s. Teak wood with formica laminate and metallic details. Excellent condition fully restored.Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Center Tables
MaterialsMetal
- 1960s Arne Norell ‘’Pilot’’ ArmchairsBy Arne Norell, Norell Möbel ABLocated in Madrid, ESPair of ‘’Pilot’’ armchairs in beech and upholstery designed by Arne Norell for Norell möbel AB. Sweden 1960s Excellent restored and reupholstered condition that might present slig...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Beech
- Ole Wanscher Desk in Mahogany for A. J. IversenBy Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Copenhagen, DKOle Wanscher desk in mahogany with two drawers. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
- Black Polished Mahogany Writing Desk by Ole WanscherBy Ole WanscherLocated in Kastrup, DKOle Wanscher, Danish 1903-1985. Mid-century desk in black polished mahogany by Danish cabinetmaker and designer Ole Wanscher. Six drawers (2x3) with original brass handles and locks...Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Desk in Mahogany by Ole Wanscher '1903 - 1985'Located in Aalsgaarde, DKFreestanding desk in mahogany by Ole Wanscher (1903 - 1985) with original hardware. Made at A.J. Iversen in 1960’s H. 76 H-apron. 64 W. 149 D. 78 cm H. 29.9 H-apron. 25.1 W. 58.6 ...Category
20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
- Desk in Teak in Style of Ole Wanscher, Midcentury Danish Design, 1950sBy Ole WanscherLocated in Lejre, DKDesk in teak designed and made in Denmark 1950s. Great original condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Ole Wanscher Freestanding Desk in Rosewood Made by A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen 1959By Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Odense, DKRare and important desk designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured at master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in 1959. Exhibited at the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild exhibition the same year. T...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsRosewood
- 1960s Ole Wanscher Extendable Mahogany Dining Table by P. JeppesenBy Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens MøbelfabrikLocated in Praha, CZ- Newly veneered - Carefully refurbished - Labeled - 210 cm when extended.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWood