A Pair of “Model 83” Armchairs by Nanna Ditzel for Søren Willadsen, Denmark 1952

This pair of armchairs is what we consider a timeless Danish Modern classic. The “ND83” was designed in 1952 by Nanna Ditzel for the exhibition 'Today’s Furniture, Home Equipment' in the Forum Hall Copenhagen in 1952.

Chairs are often considered especially revealing of a designer's skill because of the strict limits placed on their design by the demands of the human body. With this model, Nanna Ditzel arrives at a clearly-structured solution in which a high degree of coherence is maintained while the chair appears visually light and open. The structure of the chairs is made entirely of solid oak. Each sculpted leg is made of a single piece of timber that ascend gently, giving stability to the curved backs. Rounded oak dowels plug the holes in which the fastenings for the back can be found -these help to create the elegant simplicity and honesty of the frame. The large curved backs extend up to the front, forming the armrests for a cosy and elegant profile similar to that of a tub chair. The elegance is further enhanced by the premium bouclé upholstery which complements the oak gracefully.

Cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen handcrafted these chairs, while them company Selig Co., imported them to the U.S. market from Denmark in 1952. The “ND83” model is still made to order today, however chairs – like these - from the original production show Ditzel and Willadsen’s true genius. The original marking on the wood is retained.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been recently reupholstered in a premium bouclé fabric.

Dimensions: 
30.9 in W x 25.98 in D x 26.96 in H; Seat height 14.76 cm
78.5 cm W x 66 cm D x 68.5 cm H; Seat height 37.5 cm

Literature:
Hanne Horsfeld Danske Designere, 'Nanna Ditzel', p.86
Oda Noritsugu, Danish Chairs, p.164
Per H. Hansen, Klaus Petersen, Den Store Danske Møbelguide, p.77

About the Designer:
Nanna Ditzel (1923 – 2005) was a modern Danish designer, who created an impressive body of work during her long career, leading 20th century Danish design. Her name equalled to a prestigious brand characterized by quality, distinctive sleek design and skill.

Born in Copenhagen on the 6th of October in 1923, Nanna Ditzel studied under the influential furniture designer Kaare Klint. in 1985, she started her own design studio in Copenhagen. She began to work on her own, developing her now trademark split-level floor seating and low cushions. In the field of furniture design, Nanna Ditzel quickly attracted critical attention. In Copenhagen, she began working for Fredericia, a leading Danish manufacturer with a reputation for high quality furniture.

She received several awards during her long and distinguished career, including the Lunning Prize in 1956, silver medals at the Milan Triennali of 1951, 1954 and 1957, followed by a golden one in 1960. Her work has been displayed at art centers around the world, including New York, London, Madrid and Milan. In 1996 she was elected honourable Royal Designer in London and awarded a lifelong Artist's Grant by the Danish Ministry of Culture two years later. A film was made about her life and work in 1991.

Nanna Ditzel is recognised worldwide for her stylish designs, for which functionality was always a driving force. During her career that spanned 60 years, her furniture, textiles and jewellery were to be found in all major European cities as well as in North America.She remains as one of Denmark's most acclaimed designers. ~H.