Beech Slatback Chairs by Børge Mogensen for FDB Møbler, Denmark 1960s

The designs of Borge Mogensen aimed at functionality, minimalist appearance and easy accessibility. This pair of slatback chairs is perhaps one of the best examples of these principles of the Danish master with a rustic yet modern design.

The most attention-grabbing visual element of this rare model is the backrest with eight wooden spindles that create an airy look that recalls the traditional slatback chair style. The curved top rails have a sculptural look mimicked by the armrests that are also supported by individual slats. This creates a unified appearance that highlights the diverse shapes and the natural beauty of the beech wood and its versatile grain. Interesting details are to be found everywhere in the design, including the perfectly fitted seat cushions and the uniquely arranged stretchers connecting the legs. As the lower structure with the legs and stretchers combine straight lines with round shapes, the design gains a sculptural look that is appealing from all angles. The structure displays a beautiful contrast between the smooth beech frame and the elegant and textured bouclé fabric of the cushions. The chair’s manufacturer, FDB Møbler is a Danish furniture company established in 1942, and Børge Mogensen served as the design studio’s manager. Mogensen and the designers he employed came from the Copenhagen Cabinetmaker's Guild tradition and were unwilling to prioritize anything over craftsmanship and quality.

Extremely modest and confident at the same time is how these chairs can be best described. Mogensen preferred to work with traditional and natural materials, but also liked to experiment with new techniques; the resulting models are Danish Modern classics.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. The chairs’ cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:
23.42 in W x 24.4 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Arm height 25.39 in
59.5 cm W x 62 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Arm height 64.5 cm

About the designer:
Borge Mogensen is without a doubt one of the most famous Danish designers. Born in 1914 in Aalborg, Mogensen was trained as a cabinetmaker and studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen from 1936 to 1938, and architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture between 1938 and 1942.

At the beginning of his career, he became head of F.D.B. Mobler’s furniture design studio. In 1950, he started his own design studio, collaborating with manufacturers Soborg, the Swedish company Karl Andersson and the famous manufacturer Fredericia from 1955. The collaboration with the latter resulted in many of Mogensen’s most famous furniture pieces, including the “Spanish Chair” and the “Ambassador Sofa”.

Mogensen’s goal has always been to design and produce quality furniture for the people, with longevity, quality, and timelessness in his focus. Because of this, Mogensen was known as “the people’s designer”, a true pioneer in democratic design. In 1972, he was awarded the C.F. Hansen Medal and was appointed Honorary Royal Designer for Industry at the Royal Society of Arts in London. ~H.

Shipping:
These chairs 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.