Erik Wørts dining chairs

This is a rare set of four dining chairs designed by Erik Wørts and produced by Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark during the 1950s.

These chairs exemplify early Scandinavian mid-century modernism, where functionalist principles are expressed through honest materials and subtle craftsmanship. The frames are constructed from solid oak with a warm, golden brown tone and visible straight grain. The design emphasizes clarity of structure, with squared and slightly tapered legs joined by horizontal stretchers, and a backrest that curves gently for ergonomic support. The oak has been lightly finished, retaining a natural texture and showcasing the wood’s organic character. The seat and backrest are both handwoven in cane, using a flat band technique for the seat and a more open cross-pattern weave for the back. The canework remains in excellent condition, retaining its elasticity and tightness, with minimal signs of fraying or damage. The visual lightness of the woven elements contrasts harmoniously with the solid oak structure, offering both comfort and breathability.

Erik Wørts, a Danish designer active in the mid-20th century, is known for producing high-quality furniture rooted in Danish traditions but aligned with the aesthetic simplicity of international modernism. Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, a small-scale Danish workshop, was known for its precise wood craftsmanship, often working in collaboration with Danish architects and designers.

Each chair measures 50.5 cm in width, 58 cm in depth, and 82 cm in height, with a seat height of 43 cm. In inches, this translates to approximately 19.9 inches wide, 22.8 inches deep, and 32.3 inches high, with a seat height of 16.9 inches. The chairs remain in very good vintage condition with minor surface wear to the wood consistent with age and use, and the cane remains structurally sound.