Illum Wikkelsø 'Capella' Three-seater Sofa for Niels Eilersen in Rosewood

Original Vintage 'Capella' three-seater Brazilian Rosewood Sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s

 

This beautiful 'Capella' Three-seater Sofa, designed by Danish modernist Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen in the 1960s, embodies the finest elements of Danish design, featuring elegant Brazilian rosewood frames and fabric-upholstered cushions that remain in excellent condition.

 

>> Matching pair of Easy chairs and side table sold separately here.

 

Wikkelsø's designs are renowned for their focus on comfort, simplicity, and clean, sculptural lines, and the 'Capella' set is no exception. The sleek Rio rosewood frames provide a striking contrast to the soft, cushioned seating, creating a harmonious balance between form and function.

A true example of mid-century Danish craftsmanship, this sofa showcases the timeless appeal of Scandinavian design—combining natural materials, minimalist aesthetics, and high-quality construction. This rare set remains as stylish today as it was when first created.

 

A standout feature of this sofa is the armrests, gently rounded on top and oval when viewed head-on, offering both visual appeal and a tactile experience for the sitter. The sloped seat and backrest provide a comfortable embrace, while the straight, sharp lines of the frame convey a sense of sophistication.

 

The 'Capella' series is defined by its clean, modern lines and minimalist design, made from high-quality Brazilian rosewood. Designed for both elegance and functionality, the series is celebrated for its timeless aesthetic and exceptional craftsmanship. It stands as a classic example of mid-century Danish design, highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

 

DESIGNER: Illum Wikkelsø

MANUFACTURER: N. Eilersen

COUNTRY: Denmark

PERIOD: 1950s / 1960’s

CONDITION: Good original vintage condition. The rosewood frame has been meticulously cleaned and polished, the current upholstery is still in very good condition

DIMENSIONS: Height: 70 cm | Seat H. 40 cm Width: 188 cm Depth: 75 cm

 

 

One of Denmark's best-kept secrets, Illum Wikkelsø was a key figure in the 'Danish design' movement, celebrated for his simple, functional and organically shaped designs, that are inspired by the flow of the Danish landscape. Wikkelsø deserves to be better known as he was one of the most successful designers of mid-century Danish sofas and chairs.

 

Kristian Illum Wikkelsø (1919 - 1999) was part of a group of designers representing the golden age of Danish design in the 1950s and 1960s. He was one of the highly talented key designers who made the Danish style of design an international phenomenon during the mid-20th century. While Wikkelsø’s style was in many ways in keeping with the design aesthetics of his time, he had the courage as well as the ability to develop his own innovative style, which was often expressive and surprising, but always focused on sublime craftsmanship and attention to detail. His goal was to capture the beauty of the surrounding environment in furniture designs. After finishing his education as a cabinet maker at Fåborg Technical School in 1939, Wikkelso went on to study at the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts under O. Mølgaard Nielsen. In 1943, he was accepted as a student at the Furniture School at the Royal Academy of Art lead be Kaare Klint.

During his time in Copenhagen Illum also worked with cabinetmaker Jacob Kjaer and the architectural firm of Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen.

 

In 1944, Illum moved to Aarhus to work for Cabinetmaker O.A.V. Christensen until he, a couple of years later, started at LEM’s Furniture House as an interior designer. He stayed with LEM until 1956. During this period, he won prizes at four separate annual exhibitions of the Copenhagen Cabinet Makers’ Guild. In 1954 Illum started his own drawing office and started working with some of Denmark’s leading furniture factories. Like many of his contemporaries - Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, and Hans Wegner for example - Illum’s designs emphasise formal simplicity and biomorphic silhouettes. Illum’s background in cabinetry gave him a profound understanding of materials and a superb attention to detail. Working mostly with teak and rosewood, he captured delicately sculptural forms. Illum believed that furniture should be built to last while cradling the body and pleasing the eye.

 

Reference: https://www.illum-wikkelsoe-design.com/biography

Read more here

 

Established in 1895 by Niels Eilersen, the company initially produced horse carriages. Eilersen was the first in Denmark to use steam to shape wood. Since the 1930s, N. Eilersen A/S has been producing furniture with an emphasis on the highest quality materials, comfort and durability. This strategy has made Eilersen A/S a well-known and recognisable brand both at home and abroad, and several sofa models bear the label of the most modern.  N. Eilersen A/S is a family business. Innovation and tradition continue to be their hallmark.

 

 

We try to capture the condition of our items in our photographs as best as possible. Prior to dispatch all items are carefully cleaned and re-coated with danish oil to ensure your item is looking its best when delivered.