In Lauritzen’s designs, function meets modern aesthetics, with each piece luxuriating in organic forms and materials. The organic character of his furniture designs takes on even greater resonance when viewed within their architectural surroundings. Lauritzen’s exacting vision extended to every detail of his buildings. His meticulous approach produced a consistent and deliberate design idiom across all elements – from furniture and lighting to door handles and balustrades. Often inspired by nature and taking form in exclusive natural materials such as leather and Cuban mahogany, each piece became iconic in its own right.

The chair designed for the Radio House’s Council Chamber stands as a prime example of Lauritzen’s organic aesthetic vision. As the meeting room for the State Radio’s politically appointed governing body, this chamber demanded – and received – the most prestigious and exceptional furnishings. The chairs’ polished Cuban mahogany armrests, with their graceful curves, exemplify a rare sculptural idiom. These limited-edition chairs were handcrafted at the Normina workshop. The monumental task of furnishing the Radio House led Lauritzen to commission multiple workshops, among them Rud Rasmussen, to execute his designs. Though less renowned today, Normina produced work of exceptional quality. Under Lauritzen’s masterful direction, each design element of the Radio House contributes to a natural harmony, where beauty and functionality merge seamlessly.

Danish designers kept a keen eye on international developments, as the aftermath of World War I sparked a worldwide movement to reshape society and create a better way of living. Lauritzen attended the School of Architecture at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1912 to 1921, when Danish architecture was still characterised by National Romanticism and Neoclassicism. However, in the years leading up to World War II, international modernist influences emerged from the Bauhaus school and Le Corbusier, among other places. Attuned to international currents, Lauritzen incorporated both classical principles and modernist design thinking in his work. With Bauhaus leading the way, a new vision emerged for city planning, homes, and furnishings that reflected the spirit of modern living. In Denmark, the radical ideas of international Modernism were rarely expressed in their purest form. Here it was crucial that the focus on form, function and new materials did not come at the expense of human needs and good craftsmanship. As a result, early Danish interpretations of international Modernism in the 1930s emerged with a distinctly softer aesthetic than their foreign counterparts.

Today, Danmarks Radio has relocated its television and radio operations to more modern facilities. The Radio House is now a listed building. The concert hall is still in use, and Lauritzen’s furniture and most of the lighting remain. When designs from Lauritzen’s architectural firm come up for auction, they almost always bring with them echoes of Denmark’s 20th century history – and the buildings that helped shape it. Vilhelm Lauritzen’s furniture and lamps are in very high demand. At the upcoming Live Auction, you’ll find more of Vilhelm Lauritzen’s exciting design, including a rare table lamp and a chandelier of patinated brass. Danish design from the period is also represented. Among the rare masterworks on offer are a two-seater sofa by Finn Juhl, a wingback chair by Flemming Lassen and a Septima lamp by Poul Henningsen.