Frits Henningsen: Desk & Chair

Frits Henningsen was one of the most admired furniture designers of the 20th century, and a hugely significant figure in Danish design. 

1940's Oak Writing Table on Cabriole Legs, in the Louis XV Taste. 

The inside left drawer housing is stamped '4829'. Two further pencilled numbers read '732' and '4908'. Retaining orginial key. 

Typical of Henningsen's cabinet making workshops, this table is skilfully manufactured - with a top made from a pair of wonderfully book-matched wide planks. 

Slightly more unexpected are the origins of Henningsen's influences. Rather than 18th century English designs, his inspiration of this desk derives from early to mid-century French pieces. 

If the maker and country were unknown, it would be easy to mistake the table for a provincial work from this period. 

The lines of the curved top sit beautifully on the concave frieze (which has three flush drawers) and cabriole legs, on faceted hoof feet. 

Oak & Hide Upholstered Side Chair

Copenhagen, circa 1940's

The chair clearly owes its parentage to Henningsen's masterpiece 'Wingback' chair - designed in 1935.

Whilst many of his peers turned to using straight lines, Henningsen stressed the importance of comfort and elegance - summed up so well on his visiting card:

'Elegant and Unpretentious Furniture'

See the full details on the desk and the chair.