Helge Vestergaard Jensen dining chairs
This is a rare and highly refined set of eight dining chairs designed by Helge Vestergaard Jensen and produced by Peder Pedersen in Denmark during the early 1960s. This model was notably presented at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition held at Designmuseum Danmark in 1963, a prestigious platform for showcasing innovative and masterfully crafted Danish furniture design.
Each chair is constructed from solid Brazilian rosewood, a dense hardwood noted for its rich color variations and striking natural grain. The design employs precise joinery and elegantly tapered legs, highlighting the exceptional woodworking tradition of Danish cabinetmakers. The backrest is subtly curved and integrated into the structure with a seamless transition from frame to support, offering both sculptural finesse and ergonomic function.
The seats and backs are upholstered in original cognac brown aniline leather, which retains its natural surface and patina. The leather is tightly fitted and gently molded over the frames, enhancing the organic contours of the design. The warm caramel hue of the leather complements the deep reddish-brown and black figuring of the rosewood, creating a visually balanced and harmonious ensemble.
Condition is excellent overall, with light signs of wear consistent with age and gentle use. The leather shows desirable natural aging without structural compromise, and the rosewood surfaces remain well preserved, displaying vibrant grain patterns and a satin sheen.
Helge Vestergaard Jensen (1917–1987) was a Danish architect and designer known for his architectural clarity and exacting standards. Trained under Kaare Klint, Jensen developed a design language characterized by clean lines, functional detailing, and material integrity. His furniture, often produced in limited quantities by master cabinetmakers, is now recognized for its precision craftsmanship and rarity.
Peder Pedersen was a high-end Danish cabinetmaking workshop that specialized in bespoke furniture design, often working with leading designers of the mid-century period. Their production is marked by technical excellence and fine material selection.
Each chair measures 50 cm wide by 50 cm deep by 94.5 cm high (19.7 inches x 19.7 inches x 37.2 inches), with a seat height of 43.5 cm (17.1 inches).
Literature
Grete Jalk [ed.]: “40 Years of Danish Furniture Design”, vol. 4, p. 241.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 50 / D: 50 / H: 94.5 / Seat H: 43.5 |
Producer | Peder Pedersen |
Color | Tan |
Decade | 1960s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Leather, Rosewood |
Designed in | 1963 |
Item Number | 125928 |
Helge Vestergaard Jensen