Børge Mogensen

Børge Mogensen (1914-1972) contributed hundreds of notable and outstanding pieces to the canon of Danish design. Working predominantly in wood, Mogensen’s designs are driven by an almost scientific analysis of functionality as he never bowed to the whimsy of fashion or expensive materials.

Instead, strong and simple lines are a recurrent design element throughout Mogensen’s work as he subtly updated and reinvented traditional forms.

The Hunting Chair: In 1950, the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild autumn exhibition adopted the theme “the Hunting Lodge.” Mogensen came up with his sculptural Hunting Chair late one night. It is a combination of dynamic forms and rustic appearance with strong, robust lines and comfortable leather.

The Hunting Dining Chair: The Hunting Chair gave rise to a series of Hunting furniture that could all equally be described by the words ‘rustic’ and ‘masculine.’ Mogensen designed the Hunting Dining Chair in 1964 – both with and without armrests – inspired by Shaker and Spanish furniture construction. It combined the Shaker design principles of honesty, simplicity, and utility with the strong and robust appearance of Spanish-designed furniture.

The Spanish Chair

The Hunting Chair also gave rise to one of Mogensen’s most well known and sought after designs – The Spanish Chair; a combination, once again, of being both rustic and masculine. Mogensen drew inspiration from a trip to Spain in 1958 and reinterpreted a traditional ancient Islamic chair by modernising the shape and eliminating decoration but keeping the broad armrests.

Wingback Chair: Designed in 1963, this simple yet stately design draws on curved and arched elements of Kaare Klint’s sofas from the 1920s. This understated and elegant design encloses the sitter with the wings and the armrests – perfect for reading and relaxing.