Hans Wegner

Knud Nielsen & Torben Ørskov, Copenhagen, 1955
Thence by descent
Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen, June 10, 2010, lot 1056

Copenhagen Cabinetmaker's Guild Exhibition, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1955

Grete Jalk, ed., Dansk Møbelkunst gennem 40 aar, vol 3: 1947-1956, Copenhagen, 1987, pp. 324-325

Overall very good condition. An exceptional model, which is possibly unique, it is presently the only desk known and documented with this return. Purchased from the 1955 Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition, the desk has been illustrated in several primary sources. Visually and functionally pleasing, the desk has multiple work surfaces and storage areas, all superbly thought out. There is a subtle figuring to the table edge where the sitter would have his or her chair, a creative design element, eliminating the standard harsh right edge. The overall desk has been recently oiled and the richness of the wood truly shines through. The table top presents with scattered light scuffs, nicks and scratches, none of which are visually distracting or of particular note. These are all very consistent with a table top of this material and age. The right facing cabinet with a pull out surface, topped with glass. There are faint scratches to this edge from use, but minimal. The stamp from the previous owner is on the inside of the bottom drawer of the right facing cabinet. The brass handles of all drawers in good condition and original. The left facing set of drawers with light wear to the top round the knob. These drawers open to reveal two shallow dividers, with notches to add additional dividers. The black laminate top with general rubbing, scuffing and light scratches. The left facing table joint with small scratch/dent. The tambour drawer in working order, opening to reveal two filing cabinets. No keys. A remarkable piece of 20th century design with a strong overall presence that demonstrates the well-known collaboration of designer, Hans Wegner, and cabinetmaker, Johannes Hansen.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Carefully sourcing and assembling each model from stand 24, Hans Wegner's interior for a study at the 1955 Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition, Wyeth demonstrates the timeless aesthetic of Wegner's design.  A large, robust executive desk, an ergonomic swivel chair, a brass ceiling light and an upholstered easy chair combine to create a quietly simplistic, yet thoughtfully relatable interior.  Known for his organic and holistic approach to design, Wegner stressed the importance of "physical, psychological and emotional connections between people and the tools for living."  Most often collaborating with cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in these years, Wegner was praised for taking traditional furniture designs and modernizing them for the 20^th century. 

The desk offered in the following lot was considered exceptional for its unusual expansive size and robustness of form.  With its combination desk, the overall design creates a 90 degree angle; the perfect functional workspace to pair with a rolling swivel chair for maximum efficiency.  Additionally, drawers on both sides of the large work top allow for multiple presentation possibilities within a study interior.  Remarked at the time as having "something of the pioneering spirit of the American frontiersmen about it all, an atmosphere from the wooden forts of the Far West,” the widening form of the leg is a motif often utilized by Wegner and his interlocking joints under the table add an organic, yet modernist element to the design.

Inspired by Doctor Egill Snorrason following his critique of the Danish furniture industry's dismissal of proper ergonomic design, Wegner sought to produce a chair that properly supported the sitter's posture.  Constructed with a solid piece of wood twisted like a propeller, the back rest is highly complicated to produce, but the resulting form is exceptionally pleasing, both visually and functionally.  A perfect pairing for a large executive desk, PP Møbler quotes Wegner as stating, "It's for the boss…or the secretary.  No it's too expensive for the secretary.  It's for the boss who will appreciate being able to sit correctly in a chair."