Johannes Andersen: The quintessence of organic Danish design

Behind the leading figures of vintage Danish design who have made the smallest Scandinavian country famous for its design - Hans WEGNER,...

Design MarketOctober 2023
Behind the leading figures of vintage Danish design who have made the smallest Scandinavian country famous for its design - Hans WEGNER, Arne JACOBSEN, Borge MOGENSEN, Finn JUHL, Verner PANTON - there are other designers who are less well known, but who have contributed just as much to the excellence of Danish furniture. Johannes ANDERSEN (1903-1997) is one of them. Less well known than his illustrious contemporaries, he nonetheless produced some of the most elegant pieces of furniture in Scandinavian design; this article pays tribute to him and looks back at his finest creations. Behind the leading figures of vintage Danish design who have made the smallest Scandinavian country famous for its design - Hans WEGNER, Arne JACOBSEN, Borge MOGENSEN, Finn JUHL, Verner PANTON - there are other designers who are less well known, but who have contributed just as much to the excellence of Danish furniture. Johannes ANDERSEN (1903-1997) is one of them. Less well known than his illustrious contemporaries, he nevertheless produced some of the most elegant pieces of furniture in Scandinavian design; this article pays tribute to him and looks back at his finest creations. Imposing teak wardrobe, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for the Danish manufacturer Skaaning & Søn, 1960s. @Pamono Imposing teak wardrobe, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for the Danish manufacturer Skaaning & Søn, 1960s. @Pamono Born in Aarhus, Denmark in 1903, Johannes ANDERSEN apprenticed as a cabinetmaker and obtained his certificate in 1922. In the mid-1930s, as modern Danish design gained popularity beyond Denmark, he opened his own workshop, while continuing to work with other design houses, including CFC Silkeborg, Uldum Møbelfabrik in Denmark and Trensum in Sweden. Born in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1903, Johannes ANDERSEN completed an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker, obtaining his certificate in 1922. In the mid-1930s, as modern Danish design gained popularity beyond Denmark, he opened his own workshop, while continuing to work with other design houses, including CFC Silkeborg, Uldum Møbelfabrik in Denmark and Trensum in Sweden. Coffee table in veneered rosewood, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for CFC Silkeborg. @Vintiik Coffee table in veneered rosewood, design Johannes ANDERSEN for CFC Silkeborg. @Vintiik Coffee table in veneered rosewood, design Johannes ANDERSEN for CFC Silkeborg, detail of the manufacturer's signature @Vintiik Coffee table in veneered rosewood, design Johannes ANDERSEN for CFC Silkeborg, detail of the manufacturer's signature @Vintiik Johannes ANDERSEN will contribute to the dynamism of the Scandinavian furniture industry and popularise, along with many other architects and designers in his country, the excellence of Danish design in a favourable context. Although Scandinavian design was already renowned before the Second World War, Danish design acquired its letters of nobility in the aftermath of the Second World War and established itself on the international scene in the 50s and 60s. Johannes ANDERSEN obviously benefited from this momentum, but he also owed his recognition as a designer to his singular talent, which led him to design pieces of furniture in wood of exceptional quality. Johannes ANDERSEN contributed to the dynamism of the Scandinavian furniture industry and, along with many other architects and designers in his country, popularised the excellence of Danish design in a favourable context. While Scandinavian design was already renowned before the Second World War, Danish design acquired its letters of nobility in the aftermath of the Second World War and established itself on the international scene in the 50s and 60s. Johannes ANDERSEN obviously benefited from this momentum, but he also owed his recognition as a designer to his singular talent, which led him to design pieces of furniture in wood of exceptional quality. Solid teak wood dining table with flaps, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Uldum Møbelfabrik, 1960s. Rectangular top and sloping tapered legs for a clean, minimalist modern look. A superb piece of woodwork! @DanishModernL.A Solid teak wood drop-leaf dining table, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Uldum Møbelfabrik, 1960s. Rectangular top and sloping tapered legs for a clean, minimalist modern look. A superb piece of woodwork! @DanishModernL.A Solid teak wood drop-leaf dining table, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Uldum Møbelfabrik, 1960s. Table unfolded, detail. @DanishModerL.A Dining table with flaps in solid teak wood, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for the publisher Uldum Møbelfabrik, 1960s. Table unfolded, detail. @DanishModerL.A What does it have in common with "made in Denmark"? We're tempted to answer this question with an enthusiastic "All", so much so that it symbolises the know-how and "Hygge" lifestyle that belongs only to the Danes! Scandinavian furniture was known for its distinctive shapes, flowing contours and 'understated chic'. Andersen certainly followed this aesthetic in his designs. Looking at his work, it's also easy to see the influences of the culture and environment that surrounded him. The characteristics of the Scandinavian ethos are present, but interpreted in a way that is unique to Andersen. What does it have in common with "made in Denmark"? We're tempted to answer this question with an enthusiastic 'All', so much so that it symbolises the know-how and 'Hygge' lifestyle that belongs only to the Danes! Scandinavian furniture was known for its distinctive shapes, flowing contours and 'understated chic'. Andersen certainly followed this aesthetic in his designs. Looking at his work, it's also easy to see the influences of the culture and environment that surrounded him. The characteristics of the Scandinavian ethos are present, but interpreted in a way that is unique to Andersen. Beautiful Scandinavian sideboard in blond teak, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Uldum Møbelfabrick, circa 1960. We find the characteristics of Scandinavian design: beautiful woodwork, a piece with pure lines... @lesnouveauxbrocanteurs Very beautiful Scandinavian sideboard in blond teak, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Uldum Møbelfabrick, circa 1960. All the hallmarks of Scandinavian design: beautiful woodwork, clean lines... @lesnouveauxbrocanteurs Characteristic of Danish design, ANDERSEN's furniture is made of solid wood - a lot of teak - to bring warmth to interiors, the lines are clean and the design is functional. Where ANDERSEN stood out was in its more organic approach to form, for which Danish designers were renowned. What can we say, for example, about the famous coffee tables designed by the designer? While we might expect a rectangular or even oval shape, ANDERSEN designed pieces with curved surfaces and bevelled edges that soften the concept of sober design, without ever overdoing it. This is particularly true of the famous CAPRI tables and the Smile Cofee Table. Characteristic of Danish design, ANDERSEN's furniture is made from solid wood - much of it teak - to bring warmth to interiors, with clean lines and functional design. Where ANDERSEN stood out was in its more organic approach to form, for which Danish designers were renowned. What can we say, for example, about the famous coffee tables designed by the designer? While we might expect a rectangular or even oval shape, ANDERSEN designed pieces with curved surfaces and bevelled edges that soften the concept of sober design, without ever overdoing it. This is particularly true of the famous CAPRI tables and the Smile Cofee Table. Coffee/cocktail table with oak or beech veneer, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Trensum, 1960s. A truly elegant curve! @Avenuesrenew Coffee/cocktail table with oak or beech veneer, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Trensum, 1960s. A truly elegant curve! @Avenuesrenew CAPRI coffee table, Johannes ANDERSEN design, 1960s. Teak top and chromed metal base for an incredibly elegant design!@Jean-CharlesRibes CAPRI coffee table, Johannes ANDERSEN design, 1960s. Teak top and chromed metal base for an incredibly elegant design!@Jean-CharlesRibes CAPRI coffee table, Johannes ANDERSEN design, 1960s. An impeccable finish seen from below. @Jean-CharlesRibes CAPRI coffee table, Johannes ANDERSEN design, 1960s. An impeccable finish seen from below. @Jean-CharlesRibes The famous Smile Cofee Table, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN, 1957. An icon of Danish design manufactured in the late 1950s and early 1960s by CFC Silkeborg. The famous Smile Cofee Table, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN, 1957. An icon of Danish design manufactured in the late 1950s and early 1960s by CFC Silkeborg. Table, designed by Johannes Andersen, 1957. We love the detail of the elegantly bevelled parallel legs! Table, Johannes Andersen design, 1957. Detail of the shape of the elegantly bevelled parallel legs, we love it! Smile Cofee Table, designed by Johannes Andersen, 1957. The table owes its name to the "smile" shaped access slot moulded into the table. Smile Cofee Table, design by Johannes Andersen, 1957. The table owes its name to the "smile"-shaped access slot moulded into the table. Like his compatriots Ib Kofod-Larsen, Niels Otto Moller, Arne Vodder and Gunni Omann, Gunni Omann, Johannes Andersen has elevated cabinetmaking to an art form, where his meticulousness and attention to detail are appreciated. For example, his enfilades are designed to house several storage compartments, double drawers and curved sliding doors. The details of the handles and sliding doors are particularly meticulous. In the pure tradition of Scandinavian design, the furniture is designed to be functional. Beautiful Scandinavian sideboard in blond teak, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Uldum Møbelfabrick, circa 1960. Detail of the cupboards. A design conceived to be functional, typical of Danish and Scandinavian design. Very beautiful Scandinavian sideboard in blond teak, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Uldum Møbelfabrick, circa 1960. Detail of the cupboards. A design conceived to be functional, typical of Danish and Scandinavian design. Another characteristic of the style developed by ANDERSEN is a design focused on comfort and people. The seats and sofas created by ANDERSEN are designed for a comfortable sitting posture. This was the case with the bar stools designed by ANDERSEN, which featured a concave seat designed to "cradle the body, creating the perfect balance between comfort and design". The same goes for the CAPRI sofa, one of the most sought-after pieces by discerning collectors: striking curves, a very "hygge" enveloping design, for maximum comfort. ANDERSEN has also designed dining chairs with curved backrests that add not only style but also incredible comfort. Another characteristic of the style developed by ANDERSEN is a design focused on comfort and people. The seats and sofas created by ANDERSEN are designed for a comfortable sitting posture. This was the case with the bar stools designed by ANDERSEN, which featured a concave seat designed to "cradle the body, creating the perfect balance between comfort and design". The same goes for the CAPRI sofa, one of the most sought-after pieces by discerning collectors: striking curves, a very "hygge" enveloping design, for maximum comfort. ANDERSEN has also designed dining chairs with a curved backrest that not only adds style, but also incredible comfort. Suite of 3 barstools, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Andersens Møbelfabrik A/S, 1961. Legs in teak, seat in black skai. @artcurial Suite of 3 barstools, design Johannes ANDERSEN for Andersens Møbelfabrik A/S, 1961. Legs in teak, seat in black skai. @artcurial Barstools designed by Johannes ANDERSEN and produced by Brdr. Andersen in Denmark, 1960s. @1stdibs Bar stools designed by Johannes ANDERSEN and produced by Brdr. Andersen in Denmark, 60's. @1stdibs Swedish vintage lounge set model "Capri", designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Trensum, 1960. Slightly curved lines, what elegance! Capri" vintage Swedish living room set, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Trensum, 1960. Slightly curved lines, what elegance! Capri" sofa, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Trensum, 1960, detail. The art of the curve... Sofa model "Capri", design Johannes ANDERSEN for Trensum, 1960, detail. The art of the curve... Vintage chair in oak and linen, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Uldum Møbelfabrik, 1960. A beautiful carved solid oak frame with a slightly curved backrest for a comfortable sitting position. Vintage chair in oak and linen, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Uldum Møbelfabrik, 1960. A beautiful structure in solid carved oak, with a slightly curved backrest for a comfortable position. With enchanting shapes that remain pure, never "too much", functional design adapted to use and impeccable woodwork quality, the pieces of furniture designed and conceived by Johannes ANDERSEN embody the quintessence of vintage Danish design. With bewitching shapes that remain pure, never "too much", a functional design adapted to use and an impeccable quality of finish for the woodwork, the pieces of furniture designed and conceived by Johannes ANDERSEN embody the quintessence of vintage Danish design. During his lifetime, Johannes ANDERSEN gained an international reputation that he still enjoys today, even if he was not the most popular designer of his time. Today's collectors are prepared to pay top dollar for his furniture, appreciating its exceptional quality and visually stunning design elements. Johannes ANDERSEN gained an international reputation during his lifetime that continues to this day, even though he was not the most popular designer of his time. Today's collectors are prepared to pay top dollar for his furniture, appreciating its exceptional quality and visually stunning design elements. Vintage teak chairs, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for Danish publisher Samcom Denmark, 1960. Elegance, form and comfort are the hallmarks of Johannes ANDERSEN's design. Vintage teak chairs, designed by Johannes ANDERSEN for the Danish publisher Samcom Denmark, 1960. Elegance, form and comfort are the hallmarks of Johannes ANDERSEN's design. François Boutard François Boutard

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