Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen attrib. armchair

This armchair, likely produced in the mid-1940s by Erik Jørgensen’s Copenhagen workshop and attributed to Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, embodies the transitional spirit of early Danish modernism. Its frame is fashioned from solid mahogany, the wood’s warm, medium-reddish brown tone deepening toward the edges of each gently curved element. The side profile reveals a continuous line: the front legs sweep upward into open armrests that then flow into the back legs, their subtle backward splay ensuring both stability and a poised, sculptural stance.

The seat and back are upholstered in the original black leather, now mellowed to a rich charcoal patina. Where hands and elbows would most often rest—along the top edges of the armrests and the upper rim of the back—the leather shows soft creasing and a gentle sheen born of decades of use. The leather is drawn taut over a sprung seat frame and a slightly reclined back, the seams finished with narrow piping that speaks to the precision of Erik Jørgensen’s upholstery standards. The underside bears an “EJ” stamp, a hallmark of the workshop’s high-quality production.

Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, collaborating from 1944 onward, combined architectural rigor with human-centered comfort. Although they later became celebrated for laminated-wood seating and modular systems, this early design already demonstrates their sensitivity to structural clarity and ergonomic form. The open armrests, for example, not only lighten the silhouette but also reference traditional joinery, while the sprung leather seat speaks to modern expectations of comfort.

In its present state, the chair remains structurally sound and retains its original finishes. The mahogany surfaces show only minor surface wear—small scuffs on the leg bases and gentle rounding on the armrest tops—consistent with careful use. The leather upholstery remains supple, with no tears or splits, and the internal springing continues to offer resilient support.

Measuring 65 cm in width, 56 cm in depth, and standing 87.5 cm high, with a seat height of 42 cm, this rare armchair bridges Scandinavian functionalism and early post-war modernism. Its combination of natural materials, exposed joinery, and ergonomic refinement makes it a notable example of the evolution of Danish upholstered furniture.