899/​1529

Finn Juhl (b. Frederiksberg 1912, d. Ordrup 1989)

A low cherry wood chest of drawers, top handle of Wengé. Each side with five polychrome lacquered drawers. Oxidized metal legs. Fittings and castors of brass. Designed 1961. Made approx. 1980–82 by cabinetmaker Søren Horn. H. 48/51.5 cm. L. 69 cm. W. 35 cm.

Model presented at The Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition at Designmuseum Danmark, 1961.

Literature: Grete Jalk [ed.]: “40 Years of Danish Furniture Design”, vol. 4, p. 175.

The small chest of drawers is a rare re-edition of the last 'uproar' that Finn Juhl managed to create with his furniture. Around 1958, Finn Juhl had a falling-out with cabinetmaker Niels Vodder that ended the legendary partnership between them. This meant that Finn Juhl took a break from the annual cabinetmakers’ exhibition in the years 1958, 1959 and 1960. Surely some reflection must have taken place as how to return with something new, yet also typical of his work. In 1961, the answer was found in a remarkable set of bedroom furniture, including this chest of drawers. These pieces were made by cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan with whom Finn Juhl would work with in the years to follow. The bedroom caused a great deal of commotion in 1961. Especially Børge Mogensen was fierce in his attacks on this frivolous interior. It was a worthy comeback for Finn Juhl, once again the provocateur. But the pieces never became more than experiments. The bed and the small chest found their way to his own home, the house in Kratvænget, Ordup. The chairs with Thai silk upholstery etc. are presumed lost.

The present example has minor differences from examples made slightly later by Niels Roth Andersen. Some parts even appear older than from 1980. A thought is that this is because it is made partly with some left-over parts from the first production at Ludvig Pontoppidan.

This item is subject to full VAT
Condition

Condition report on request. Please contact: design@bruun-rasmussen.dk

Auction

Design, 10 December 2020

Category
Estimate

100,000–150,000 DKK

Sold

Price realised

200,000 DKK