A Pair of Eva and Nils Koppel Three-Seater "Koppel" Sofas, Denmark 1950s

Eva and Nils Koppel met while she was studying at the Danish Academy, Copenhagen. Together they studied architecture and later worked in design icon Alvar Aalto’s office. Their furniture pieces are representative of Scandinavian design - featuring organic shapes, architectural structure, and cosy upholstery.

Mid-century design is typically characterized by clean, simple lines and honest use of quality materials. It also generally includes minimal, tasteful use of decorative embellishments. These sofas are a lovely example from this design period. The main decorative element is the stair-like gradation of the armrests that starts from the top of the backrest and extends to the seat, creating a continuous and flowing line. The rounded-out edges contribute to the soft feel of the sofas. The design directs the eyes to the voluptuous, fully upholstered bodies that is the result of the exquisite craftsmanship and smart design. In combination with the unadorned styles of mid-century modernism, this pair of sofas bring together the best attributes of the era. The four solid wood legs add an organic feel, balancing out the voluptuous profiles. The pairs of tapered legs assure great structural stability, while also enhancing the width of the sofas visually. This pair is ideal for any space, as it utilizes its size in a smart and stylish manner. Furthermore, the form follows function principle of mid-century design is maintained, creating a cosy atmosphere while offering plenty of functional surface as well.

The Danish design idiom was centred around warm woods, quality fabrics and gentle but robust support for the spine - qualities that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture. The Koppels’ exceptional architectural talent is evident even in these sofas.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofas have been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:
69.68 in W x 30.11 in D x 33.85 in H; Seat Height 19.29 in
177 cm W x 76.5 cm D x 86 cm H; Seat Height 49 cm

About the designer:
Eva Koppel, born Eva Ditlevsen (1916-2006) and Nils Adolf Koppel (1914-2009) were a Danish functionalist architect couple who characterized the post-war era and the public building of the welfare society.

Nils and Eva Koppel met during their shared lectures at the Danish Polytechnic Teaching Institute in 1935, where Eva studied mathematics and Nils studied engineering. The same year, they applied to the Academy of the Arts' School of Architecture, where they were both admitted. The year after, in 1936, they got married.

During their studies between 1938 and 1939, they worked together in Finland at Alvar Aalto's design studio. In 1940, they had their first child and the following year they both graduated from the School of Architecture. Since Nils Koppel's father was Jewish, in 1943 they had to flee because of the Jewish persecution. They fled to Finland and resumed working at Aalto's design studio. In the years following the war, the couple designed a number of single-family homes, and set up a home of their own in 1946. Initially, they erected houses for family and friends, designed wallpaper, chairs, watches, light fixtures, and other art-industrial objects.

In 1954, their joint studio won the architectural competition for the Langelinie Pavilion, which was erected in 1958 and has been preserved. The pavilion's rigorous shape, slim profiles and its design as a 'floating' box are indebted to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's school and the international style. The couple got their first big task in 1954 via family relations: The settlement Søllerød Park. Their house design managed to preserve the scenic parkland, and is now one of the great architectural classics for this time period.

The Koppel couple has received numerous awards and honours, including: The Wood Prize 1960, the Natural Stone Prize 1966 and the Eckersberg Medal 1955. Nils Koppel was also awarded the Knud V. Engelhardt Scholarship 1951. ~H

Shipping:
These sofas will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the items in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU.