Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen stool

This rare folding stool was designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by the cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan in Denmark in 1959. The construction is executed in solid oak, showcasing the designers’ characteristic precision in joinery and structural detailing. The frame is composed of intersecting, angled wooden elements connected with exposed dowels and metal pins, allowing the stool to fold smoothly while maintaining rigidity when in use.

The seat is made from the original cognac brown leather, which has developed a deep patina over time. The leather is wrapped around the supporting wooden rails and stitched along the edges, forming a suspended surface that conforms gently under weight. Natural variations, marks, and wear are visible, consistent with age and authentic use, adding to the tactile character of the piece.

Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen were leading figures in Danish mid-century design, known for their functional clarity and their innovative use of laminated wood and modular construction methods. Their collaboration with master cabinetmakers such as Ludvig Pontoppidan ensured that even their more experimental structures were executed at the highest level of craftsmanship. This folding stool is an example of their interest in portable, lightweight furniture without compromising on material quality or aesthetic refinement.

The stool is in good vintage condition with signs of usage and a well-preserved patina on both wood and leather components. The folding mechanism operates smoothly, and the structural elements show only minor wear.

Dimensions: 35 × 55 × 53 cm (approximately 13.8 × 21.7 × 20.9 inches).