Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen easy chair

This rare easy chair, model X-chair / FH-6135, was designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark in 1959. The chair is constructed from laminated mahogany shaped into a distinctive X-form frame, characteristic of the designers’ precise approach to woodworking and their interest in structural clarity. The laminated construction allows for a refined curvature in the legs and back supports, emphasising both strength and lightness.

The seat and backrest are made from the original vegetable-tanned leather, which has developed a rich patina over time. The leather is stitched along the edges and laced to the wooden frame at the rear, creating a tensioned surface that conforms gently when seated. Natural wear, tonal variations, and surface marks are present throughout, consistent with age and use, contributing to the authenticity of the piece. The opening in the lower backrest is integrated into the leather panel, reducing weight visually and adding flexibility to the seating surface.

Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen were prominent figures in Danish mid-century design, known for their innovative use of laminated wood and for producing furniture that balanced craftsmanship with industrial processes. Their collaboration with Fritz Hansen resulted in several technically advanced seating models, of which the X-chair is among the most sculptural. The model reflects their preference for clean structural geometry, material honesty, and functional refinement.

The chair remains in good vintage condition with signs of usage and patina across both the wood and leather surfaces. The mahogany shows minor wear and a warm, even tone, while the metal stretchers provide additional stability without disrupting the visual lightness of the frame.

Dimensions: 57 × 66 × 73 cm (approximately 22.4 × 26 × 28.7 inches). Seat height: 37 cm (approximately 14.6 inches).