Above Picture: Model 66 sideboard designed by Kofod-Larsen and manufactured by Faarup in the 1950’s. Photo: The Modern Warehouse.
Born in 1921 Danish architect and designer Ib Kofod Larsen’s pieces have become increasingly more desirable to collectors. With an innate feeling for the material his designs are often a rather striking standout among the works of his contemporaries.
The ‘Model 66’ sideboard, in rosewood, designed by Kofod-Larsen and produced by Faarup in the 1950’s. Photo: remodern.dk
The ‘Model 66’ sideboard, in rosewood, designed by Kofod-Larsen and produced by Faarup in the 1950’s. Photo: remodern.dk
In 1948 Kofod-Larsen received an award at the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild competition which brought him to the attention of Faarup Møbelfabrik, one of Denmark’s leading furniture manufacturers. This partnership would lead to some of Kofod-Larsen’s more beautiful works; most notable the ‘Model 66’ sideboard produced by Faarup in the 1950’s.
Leather recliner designed by Kofod-Larsen and produced by Carlo Gahrn in the 1950’s.
Teak lounge chairs designed by Kofod-Larsen and produced by Christensen & Larsen of Denmark in 1951. Photo: Ross Floyd for Wright
Armchair and foot stool designed by Kofod-Larsen and manufactured Bovenkamp in the 1950’s.
Perhaps one of Kofod-Larsen’s best known designs is this ‘Penguin’ chair first produced by Petersen’s in 1953. Photo: pertersen-furniture.dk
With an established reputation at Faarup, Kofod-Larsen was approached by High Wycombe of Britain to produce a series for their G-Plan line. High Wycombe had been losing ground in the UK to the increasing popularity of Scandinavian Modern furniture and commissioned Ib Kofod-Larsen to design a modern range. This was a bit of a double-edged sword for High Wycombe as these new modern designs, while quite popular with the buying public, made the rest of their range seem dated and High Wycombe eventually lost their market-leading position. The pieces Kofod-Larsen’s designed for G-Plan are very popular and affordable for collectors today.
A G-Plan desk designed by Ib Kofod Larsen
Teak credenza designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for High Wycombe’s G-Plan line in the 1960’s. Photo: Hayloft
Two Kofod-Larsen chairs of note that have become popular in recent years are the striking ‘Salen’ or ‘Seal’ chair and the ‘Elizabeth’ chair (named after Queen Elizabeth when she purchased a pair after a 1958 trip to Denmark) , both produced by OPE Mobler. Featuring finely sculpted teak or rosewood frame and often upholstered in leather, these chaira have been reaching tremendously high prices in recent years.
Kofod-Larsen’s ‘Salen’ or ‘Seal’ chairs manufactured by Olof Persons in 1960. Photo: The Modern Warehouse
A pair of Ib Kofod-Larsen’s ‘Elizabeth’ chairs. Framed in roewood with leather upholstery they were manufactured by Christensen & Larsen of Denmark in 1956. Photo: Ross Floyd for Wright
Kofod-Larsen’s ‘Elizabeth’ settee produced by Christensen & Larsen in 1956. Photo: Ross Floyd for Wright
Kofod-Larsen’s ‘Elizabeth’ settee produced by Christensen & Larsen in 1956. Photo: Ross Floyd for Wright
Tableau of early, classic Scandinavian design with a highboard designed by Kofod-Larsen, stool by Peder Moos, stoneware vase by Axel Salto, and a lamp by Poul Henningsen. Photo: dmk.dk
A variation of Kofod-Larsen’s ‘Penguin’ chair with this fully upholstered model produced in the early 1960’s. Photo: Bukowskis
Teak daybed designed by Kofod-Larsen for Olof Petersens Mobelfabrik in the 1950’s. Photo: Bukowskis
Sofa designed by Kofod-Larsen and produced by Christensen & Larsen in the 1950s. Photo: FK Gallery
Elegantly, yet plainly presented. A joy to read.