Beautiful spokeback sofa designed by Børge Mogensen, manufactured by Fritz Hansen in Denmark, 1963.
This piece is made of high quality beech wood and is newly upholstered in light grey kvadrat fabric. The sofa has a very “open” design, showing it’s structure and the used techniques from every angle. The details are really impressive, so is the unique feature of one reclining side and the leather streps that keep that side in place.
The spokeback sofa has a unique history: it was designed in 1945, but didn’t fit the fashion of that time. It turned out that Wegner was a true visionair, because after the sofa did get produced in 1963, it would grow to be one of Wegner most populair designs. It was copied many times, this original piece is a very rare find. A beautiful piece of Scandinavian design history that would make a true eye-catcher in any modern or Scandinavian interior!
It remains in very good, vintage condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving an amazing patina.
In 1958, Børge Mogensen and his family travelled to Spain. For the hardworking designer, the trip became more than just a holiday. In Andalucia he fell in love with an old chair with a wide seat and broad armrests. Once back in Denmark, he created the Spanish chair.
The chair he fell in love with is a traditional type of chair and is very common in areas influenced by ancient Islamic culture from Spain to northern India. Børge Mogensen modernised the design by removing the elaborate carvings, and thus he created his own version with his customary geometrical precision. Yet he retained the most important feature: the broad armrests that give the chair its distinctive character. The broad armrests also serve as a practical place to place a cup or a glass.
By designing The Spanish chair Mogensen proved that he did not need to use steel or plastic to be innovative. Like the hunting chair, it is made of oak and butt leather. This gives it a strong, masculine character, and ensures that the chair ages beautifully. The straps allow that the back can be tightened as the leather expands, which means that you can sit securely and comfortably in this chair from day one and for the rest of your life.
