Børge Mogensen

b. Aalborg 1914, d. Gentofte 1972

Classic Danish Furniture Design for the People

Børge Mogensen created simple, practical furniture that did not dominate the free expression of people’s lives. He criticised those of his colleagues chasing passing vogues, ignoring the utility value or compromising on the long-term durability. Børge Mogensen’s classic furniture design has found its way into countless homes over the years.

The FDB chair, the People’s Chair, the Spoke-back Sofa, the Hunting Chair and Børge Mogensen
During his student years, Børge Mogensen was employed at Kaare Klint’s and Mogens Koch’s design studios and graduated from Kunstakademiets Møbelskole (Denmark’s School of Art and Design at the Academy of Fine Arts) in 1942. As head of FDB’s design studio from 1942–50, Mogensen brought quality furniture into Danish homes at reasonable prices. It was during his time here that he also designed one of the iconic Danish furniture classics: the FDB chair. In the 1950s and 60s, he created some of the most recognised classics from his own design studio: the legendary “Spoke-back Sofa” (1942), “the People’s Chair” (1947), “the Hunting Chair” (1950) and “the Spanish Chair” (1958). 

 

Børge Mogensen’s Private Home Was His Laboratory

The Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition and Fredericia Stolefabrik are synonymous with Børge Mogensen. However, he also referred to his private home as his own laboratory. While Hans J. Wegner enjoyed international success, the Danish market remained the most important for Børge Mogensen. Of Børge Mogensen’s perhaps most significant classics, the Spoke-back Sofa and the Spanish Chair have almost become pieces of national heritage. Børge Mogensen also designed houses, silverware, lighting fixtures and wallpapers. His furniture is the epitome of craftsmanship and modern, classic furniture design. It ages beautifully over time, taking on a lived-in patina in the wood and leather – materials, he loved in all their guises, and which are sought after in his design on the auction market.

Børge Mogensen at Exhibition
In 1948, Børge Mogensen took part in MoMA’s International Competition for Low-cost Furniture Design. From 1939–1962, he took part in the Cabinetmakers’ Guild’s annual furniture exhibition, and in the National Association of Danish Crafts’ exhibitions in Denmark and abroad. In 1961, he had his own solo exhibition in London.

Børge Mogensen’s Nominations and Awards
1950 – The Eckersberg Medal
1972 – The C.F. Hansen Medal

Børge Mogensen Furniture for Sale at Bruun Rasmussen
At Bruun Rasmussen, we have furniture for sale that arouses interest and is relevant to buyers and collectors. Here, you can keep an eye on the furniture by Børge Mogensen that you can bid on right now.

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