Celebrated mid-century Danish duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen left a lasting legacy in modern furniture and architecture.

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Born in Copenhagen in 1916, Peter Hvidt underwent training as both an architect and cabinet maker at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Following his graduation, he joined forces with Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen in 1944 to establish a design office. Together, under the banner of 'Hvidt & Møgaard,' they became trailblazers in Danish furniture design during the mid-20th century, crafting furniture distinguished by its elegance, suitability for mass production, and ease of transportation.

Throughout their careers, Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen collaborated on over 250 pieces of furniture for prominent Danish furniture companies like Fritz Hansen, France & Son, and Søborg Møbelfabrik. The enduring legacy of their work is epitomized by the 'AX' chair, showcased in 1951 at the 'Good Design' exhibition at MoMA. This chair gained acclaim for its refined aesthetics, sturdy construction, and the convenience of flat packing.

Hvidt & Mølgaard, helmed jointly by Peter and Orla, thrived until their retirement in 1975, leaving an indelible mark on the golden era of Danish design. Today, their designs are hailed as Scandinavian classics, with pieces such as storage units, day beds, and tables coveted as prized collectibles.

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About the Creators

Hvidt & Mølgaard, a Danish design and architectural firm based in Copenhagen, operated from 1944 until 2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993), the company played a pioneering role in Danish furniture design and industrialized production during the 1950s. They focused on creating furniture that could be easily mass-produced and economically transported.

Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, born in 1907, was a Danish architect-designer whose early years were spent in Copenhagen. He studied at the Aalborg Technical School (graduating in 1924) and the Art and Crafts School of the Design Museum (graduating in 1928). Continuing his education from 1931 to 1934, he specialized in furniture design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the guidance of the Danish master Kaare Klint (1888-1954).

Peter Hvidt, born in Copenhagen in 1916, was a Danish architect-designer who studied architecture and cabinetry at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. After working at various design firms, he established his own studio in 1942. During 1942-1945, Hvidt also served as a teacher at the School of Arts and Crafts. In 1944, he designed the Portex Chair, a pioneering stacking chair in Denmark. Although his design aesthetic was initially traditional in the 1940s, Hvidt frequently exhibited at the Cabinetmaker's Guild exhibitions as both a designer and architect. Additionally, he collaborated with the lighting manufacturer Le Klint on numerous lighting designs.

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