Ole Larsen

Ole Larsen was a Danish furniture designer associated with Scandinavian modern design during the 1960s. He is primarily known for his collaboration with Jørgen Lund, with whom he designed office chairs, lounge furniture, and desks for the Danish manufacturer Bo-Ex. Their work reflects a refined and functional approach to Danish modernism, often combining organic seating forms, metal bases, leather upholstery, and carefully balanced proportions.

Biography

Relatively little biographical information has been widely published about Ole Larsen, and his career is mainly documented through surviving furniture, auction records, and vintage design references. He is most frequently mentioned in connection with Jørgen Lund, with whom he collaborated on a number of furniture designs for Bo-Ex in Denmark during the 1960s.

Among their best-known works is the office chair model 932, produced by Bo-Ex in Denmark around 1965. The chair is characterized by an organically curved upholstered shell, leather upholstery, and a metal swivel base on castors. Its form combines comfort with a strong visual identity, making it a distinctive example of Danish modern office furniture.

Larsen and Lund also designed other furniture for Bo-Ex, including lounge chairs, sofas, and desks. Models such as Bo-911 and Bo-961 show their interest in clear construction, generous seating comfort, and durable materials such as leather, steel, chrome, and rattan. Their work balances the practical requirements of office and lounge furniture with the softer and more expressive qualities associated with Scandinavian modern design.

Bo-Ex was part of the Danish furniture industry that helped define Scandinavian modern design during the mid-20th century. The company is associated with designers including Jørgen Lund, Ole Larsen, Preben Fabricius, and Jørgen Kastholm, and produced furniture marked by quality materials, precise construction, and modern forms suited to both private and professional interiors.