Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen armchair

This very rare armchair was designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and is likely produced by Gustav Bertelsen in Denmark during the 1940s. It captures a pivotal moment in Danish design history when traditional craftsmanship intersected with emerging modernist ideals, foreshadowing the evolution of mid-century Scandinavian furniture.

The chair is constructed from solid teak, featuring a sculptural and angular frame where the armrests seamlessly flow into the rear legs, creating a continuous and fluid form. The seat and backrest are upholstered in the original cognac-colored leather, which has aged naturally to a warm, rich patina. The leather surface exhibits signs of wear including creasing, darkening, and some scuffs consistent with its age. The backrest is adorned with subtle button tufting that adds softness and visual depth to the otherwise geometric profile. The legs are finished with patinated brass ferrules, providing both material contrast and a refined detail aligned with the chair’s likely executive or institutional use.

This model is understood to be a variant of the armchair Hvidt and Mølgaard designed in 1948 for the Board of Directors room at Domus Medica, Denmark. This project was part of a larger architectural and interior design commission by the duo, who brought a unique combination of architectural training and cabinetmaking expertise to their furniture designs. Their work is noted for its structural clarity, precise lines, and exploration of both laminated and solid wood, often realized through collaborations with skilled Danish manufacturers.

The chair measures 66.5 cm in width, 70 cm in depth, and 94.5 cm in height, with a seat height of 44 cm, approximately 26.2 inches wide, 27.6 inches deep, 37.2 inches high, and 17.3 inches seat height. The condition is good overall, with the leather showing visible signs of age including marks, scuffs, and areas of dryness, while the teak frame remains structurally sound and retains a consistent finish. The brass ferrules exhibit an even, aged patina. This armchair stands as a historically important example of early Danish modern seating designed for institutional interiors.