Ole Wanscher (1903-1985)

Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik

TABLE AND CHAIR "RUNGSTEDLUND"

Dennmark 1960`s - 1970`s
A set of the now iconic "Rungstedlund" furniture, complete - an oval extendable dining table, two armchairs and four chairs. Designed by Ole Wansher`s in 1950s. Mahogany wood. Marked with the production labels of Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik as. Production probably from the 1970s. Ole Wanscher was a Danish architect and designer who was born in Copenhagen in 1903 and he was a key player in the mid-century Danish modern movement. His simple and refined aesthetic helped him in the post-war era, which he achieved by reinventing classical forms. He defined Scandinavian design, and many of his pieces have become staples in Scandinavian homes. Wanscher studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the famous architect and designer Kaare Klint (1888-1954). After graduating, Wanscher worked with Klint from 1924 to 1927. After Klint`s death, Wanscher was awarded the Klint Professorship at the Academy, a position he held until his retirement in 1973. In 1927, Wanscher opened his own architectural firm, specializing in furniture design. Like Klint, Wanscher disagreed with the modernist rejection of the past, preferring instead to explore a classical but minimal aesthetic based on a precise study of the human body. Wanscher was also heavily influenced by Greek, Chinese and Egyptian designs - which he encountered on his many trips abroad - as well as by proto-modernist movements such as the Viennese Art Nouveau, Biedermeier and Shaker styles. Between the 1940s and 1960s, Wanscher enjoyed productive collaborations with small, artisanal cabinetmakers such as the master A.J. Iversen (1888-1979), as well as with major Danish companies such as France & Søn, Fritz Hansen , Poul. Jeppesen and Rud Rasmussen. With Iversen he created the iconic Ladies Desk (1954) and Egyptian Stool (1957). Other exceptional Wanscher designs include the PJ-149 Colonial Chair (1949), the Rungstedlund Dining Chair (c. 1950) and the PJ-112 Sofa (1951) for Poul Jeppesen; as well as the 110 Rocking Chair (1951) and the Senator Easy Chair (1951) for France & Son. Wanscher died in 1985. Many of Wanscher`s designs remain in production at Carl Hansen & Søn. Danish furniture company where Ole Wanscher worked as chief designer. The company was founded in the 1950s. The company exhibited at the Brussels World Exhibition and is behind the production of iconic models of Danish design of the second half of the 20th century. Condition B. The folding table is missing the centre part of the desk.