Pair of FD 172 Slipper Chairs by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard, Denmark 1960s

Pair of beech FD 172 easy chairs by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen, Denmark 1950s

This beautiful pair of slipper chairs by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen feature a modest and elemental design. The elegant lines of the beech base give the chair it’s characteristic and open character and contrast nicely with the grey linen cushions. The removable seat and back cushions are upholstered in a premium linen fabric by Pierre Frey. The chairs can be disassembled.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Recently reupholstered in a premium Belgian linen fabric.

Dimensions:
22.05 in. W x 33.11 in. D x 31.7 in. H; seat height 16.54 in.
56 cm W x 79 cm D x 80.5 cm H; seat height 42 cm

About the designer:
Hvidt & Mølgaard was a Copenhagen-based, Danish design and architectural firm which existed from 1944 until 2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993), the company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design and industrialized production in the 1950s, creating furniture that was easy to mass-produce and economic to transport.

Danish architect-designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen was born in 1907. His formative years were spent in Copenhagen, studying at the Aalborg Technical School and at the Art and Crafts School of the Design Museum. From 1931 until 1934, he continued his studies in furniture design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the instruction of Kaare Klint. Peter Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Subsequently, he worked at various design firms before establishing his own studio in 1942. In 1944, Hvidt designed the Portex Chair, which was one of Denmark’s first stacking chairs.

In 1944, the pair co-established Hvidt & Mølgaard Studio, which they ran together until 1975. During this time, the pair created designs for Fritz Hansen, France & Søn, and Søborg Møbelfabrik. In 1950, they designed the AX Chair, which solidified their careers as industrial designers and became an icon of Danish mid-century design. It was the first Danish chair that was crafted with both a seat and back made of curved laminated wood.

From 1970, Hvidt & Mølgaard focused on architectural projects, which spanned office buildings and factories, as well as collective housing projects. They were known for their light, simple, and clear designs, which were carried out with precision. Both Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen retired in 1975, designing over 256 pieces of furniture together over the course of their careers. Their work can be found at New York’s MoMA, the National Gallery in Melbourne, and the Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen. ~H.

Shipping:
This pair of easy chairs will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.