Ole Wanscher sofa

This three-seat “Senator” sofa, model 116, was introduced in 1951 by Ole Wanscher and produced by France & Son in Denmark. The structural frame is built from solid teak, its surfaces hand-sanded and treated with a clear oil finish that accentuates the wood’s warm, reddish-brown tones and the delicate ribbon-like grain patterns. The armrests sweep in a gentle curve, rising from the front legs and terminating in a softly rounded handhold that reflects Wanscher’s neoclassical influences. At the rear, a horizontal crossbar of teak ties the uprights together, and all exposed joinery—mitered corners and tenon sockets—is executed with precision, allowing the sofa to stand freely in a room without revealing any unfinished backs.

The cushions are upholstered in the original emerald-green leather, now mellowed to a deep olive hue with an inviting patina. Each seat and back cushion features a grid of button tufting, the leather pulled into uniform squares that give structural definition and resist shifting over time. The tuft points are secured with matching leather-covered buttons, and the edges of the cushions are piped in the same hide for a tailored finish. Over more than seven decades, the leather has developed soft creasing and a subtle sheen in areas of frequent contact, yet shows no splits or tears, indicating both high-grade material and careful stewardship.

Beneath the cushions, the seat frame is supported by a series of sprung slats that deliver responsive support while protecting both fabric and wood from undue stress. The sofa’s feet are formed by the continuous extension of the front legs, which taper gently toward the floor and are capped with small brass ferrules—an understated detail that prevents wear at the wood-floor interface and adds a faint glint of metallic contrast.

Ole Wanscher (1903–1985) studied under Kaare Klint and became known for merging classical proportion with modern functionality. His “Senator” series exemplifies this synthesis: the sofa’s balanced geometry and measured curves evoke Palladian harmony, while its open structure and modular components speak to post-war demands for practical, durable seating. France & Son, founded in Copenhagen in 1946, was among the first Danish workshops to embrace collaborative work with designers like Wanscher, bringing high craftsmanship into small-batch production.

This example remains in very good vintage condition. The teak frame retains crisp edges and shows only minor surface lightening where the wood has been exposed to sunlight. The leather upholstery presents an even patina with gentle creases on the seat surfaces, and the tufting remains taut without noticeable sag. Mechanically, the sofa’s connections are sound, with no looseness at the joints, and the sprung seat retains its original resilience. As a combination of classical elegance and mid-century ingenuity, this model 116 “Senator” sofa stands as a distinguished embodiment of Danish modern design.