Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen sofa

This three-seat sofa, model Minerva, was designed in the early 1950s by Danish architects Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark. It represents an early example of modular, space-efficient Scandinavian design, characterized by a minimalist frame and integrated functionality that marked a postwar shift toward lighter, more export-friendly furniture forms.

The frame is constructed from solid teak, displaying warm reddish-brown hues and a tight grain typical of the wood species. This is complemented by cylindrical steel rod supports mounted externally with exposed metal clips, underscoring the piece’s constructive logic and modularity. The overall silhouette is linear and geometric with softly rounded corners, resting on tapered cylindrical legs that contribute to its visually light presence.

The sofa retains its original black leather upholstery, featuring button tufting and showing visible patina and wear consistent with age and use. The seat cushion, in particular, displays surface cracking and fading, revealing the natural character of the leather, while the backrest and arm cushions remain intact. The leather has not been restored, preserving its authentic vintage condition. The modular side cushions are mounted with visible teak brackets and steel fittings, enhancing the sofa’s architectural expression.

Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen were a renowned Danish design duo known for blending traditional craftsmanship with forward-looking industrial production methods. France & Daverkosen was a significant mid-century Danish manufacturer, known for pioneering the export of modern Danish furniture and closely collaborating with leading designers. Their work emphasized solid woods and precise joinery.

The Minerva series was designed with dual functionality in mind, serving as both seating and sleeping furniture, making it ideal for compact postwar interiors. Today, it is regarded as a classic example of early Danish modernism, combining clean lines with high utility.

The sofa measures 200 cm wide, 78 cm deep, and 80 cm high, with a seat height of 41 cm, approximately 78.7 inches wide, 30.7 inches deep, 31.5 inches high, and a seat height of 16.1 inches.