Set of 5 Vintage Model 316 Chairs by Hvidt & Mølgaard, Denmark 1950s

Set of five Mid-Century Model 316 Chairs by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, Denmark 1950s

 

Chairs by the famous Danish duo of designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen made in Denmark in the 1950s for Søborg Møbelfabrik. Structure in solid teak, seats in woven seagrass seats. Iconic "316" model recognisable by its rounded back and clean lines.

 

Noteworthy features include the subtle lip on the backrest and the fusion of horizontal and diagonal stretchers on the base, enhancing the design while adding support to the structure. A wonderful piece of exceptional design and craftsmanship with elements of the construction itself contributing to its aesthetic appeal. Each chair has been newly hand-woven, a time-intensive process that restores both comfort and structural integrity while honouring the original design.

 

Ideal for smaller dining settings or paired with a contrasting host chair.

Regardless of where you decide to position these chairs—be it in your dining room, living area, or workspace—they are bound to capture the attention of anyone who enters the room.  

 

Comparable examples are typically found through European galleries and seldom appear on the South African market

 

Hvidt & Mølgaard had an established design and architectural firm where they became pioneers in Danish design that advanced the industrialised production of furniture. They both retired in 1975, designing over 256 pieces of furniture together over the course of their careers.

 

Designer: Hvidt & Mølgaard-Nielsen

Maker: Søborg Møbelfabrik

Country: Denmark

Date: 1950s

Dimensions:
height: 76,5 cm (seat: 43,5 cm)
width: 46,5 cm
depth: 46,5 cm

 

Condition: Remarkably well-preserved given their age, displaying only subtle indications of wear — please refer to the photos for a closer look. The teak frames have undergone a careful restoration and refinishing process using high-quality materials. Newly hand-woven seats in natural seagrass, executed in the traditional envelope weave in keeping with the spirit of the design.

 

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Denmark

Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993) were Danish furniture designers who worked together in the mid-20th century. They founded their design studio, Hvidt & Mølgaard, in 1944, and quickly gained recognition for their innovative and functional furniture designs.

 

Hvidt and Mølgaard's designs were characterised by their clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. They often used natural materials such as wood and leather in their designs, and their furniture pieces were designed to be both elegant and practical.

 

One of their most famous designs is the "AX" chair, which they created in 1950. The chair's unique design features a curved backrest and seat made of laminated wood, supported by a lightweight frame made of tubular steel. The chair's design was considered groundbreaking at the time and has become an iconic piece of mid-century modern design.

 

Hvidt and Mølgaard also designed a range of other furniture pieces, including tables, desks, and cabinets. They were known for their attention to detail and their use of traditional craftsmanship techniques in their designs.

 

In addition to their work as furniture designers, Hvidt and Mølgaard were also involved in architectural design, and they designed a number of buildings throughout their careers. They were both highly influential figures in the Danish design community, and their work continues to be admired and sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts today.

 

 

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.