Helge Vestergaard Jensen dining table
A very rare and large dining table designed by Helge Vestergaard Jensen and produced by cabinetmaker Peder Pedersen in Denmark in 1958. The model was presented at the Københavns Snedkerlaugs 32nd Cabinetmakers’ Exhibition at the Kunstindustrimuseet in Copenhagen, held between September 19 and October 5, 1958, placing the piece firmly within the tradition of highly refined Danish cabinetmaking associated with this important annual showcase.
The table is executed in solid teak with a warm, richly grained surface, combined with discreet structural elements in steel. The circular base form is elegantly proportioned, with a softly rounded edge profile and a finely finished top that highlights the natural variation and depth of the teak. The construction is distinguished by its sculptural underframe, where the legs meet the apron through gently tapered, organic junctions. These transitions are carefully carved, forming a subtle Y-shaped configuration that gives the table a sense of lightness while maintaining structural integrity. Slender steel stretchers are integrated between the legs, adding both stability and a refined contrast in material.
The table is extendable, transforming from a circular format into a substantial elongated dining surface. When fully extended, the composition becomes an impressive oval form with a total length of 382 cm, while the original diameter measures 150 cm. The height is 72.5 cm. This flexibility allows the table to function equally well as an intimate dining setting or a large-scale table capable of accommodating a significant number of guests, as demonstrated in the accompanying photographs with twelve dining chairs.
The overall design reflects the principles of Danish modernism in the late 1950s, where craftsmanship, material quality, and structural clarity are emphasized. The combination of solid teak and exposed steel elements introduces a subtle modernist tension, while the organic shaping of the legs and edges retains a strong connection to traditional cabinetmaking techniques.
The condition is good vintage, with visible signs of use and age-related patina. The surface shows minor wear consistent with careful use over time, contributing to the character of the piece without detracting from its overall appearance or functionality.
Literature
Grete Jalk [red.]. “Dansk Møbelkunst Gennem 40 aar”, bd 4, s. 62–63.
Mobilia no. 41, Nov.-Dec. 1958.
Dimensions (cm) | H: 72.5 / ⌀: 150 Extended: W: 382 / D: 150 / H: 72.5 |
| Producer | Peder Pedersen |
| Decade | 1950s |
| Country | Denmark |
| Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
| Material | Steel, Teak |
| Designed in | 1958 |
| Item Number | 250656 |
Helge Vestergaard Jensen
Helge Vestergaard Jensen (1917–1987) was a Danish cabinetmaker and furniture designer recognized for his precise craftsmanship and sculptural approach to woodworking. Active during the mid-20th century, he became associated with the tradition of...
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