I love it when long-lost design classics are brought back to life, so I was very excited to hear that &tradition is relaunching a range of beautiful furniture first created back in the 1950s.
The Danish brand already looks after a wealth of Scandinavian icons, including Arne Jacobsen’s ‘Bellevue’ lamp and Viggo Boesen’s ‘Little Petra’ chair, and the latest pieces to join its collection are the work of Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen (1907-1993). The duo first began working together in the 1940s after meeting while teaching at the Danish School of Arts & Crafts and went on to found their own firm, Hvidt & Mølgaard. They soon became recognised for their simple and precise aesthetic and were considered pioneers of Danish mid-century modernism, designing hundreds of pieces of furniture over the course of their careers. They also worked on various architectural projects, including housing, office blocks and even bridges.
The six designs now being revived include some that were previously manufactured and others that are going into production for the very first time, but all have been faithfully recreated using Hvidt & Mølgaard’s sketches. &tradition also worked closely with the pair’s children and grandchildren to ensure that their legacy is respected, and carefully analysed any originals still in existence.
The collection encompasses two chairs: the elegant ‘Dawn’ side chair, which is crafted from solid oak or walnut and features a hand-woven paper-cord seat, and the L-shaped ‘Boomerang’ lounge chair (available with or without armrests), whose hand-polished wooden frame, brass legs and textured upholstery make a striking combination. I was intrigued to learn that the latter is a firm Hvidt family favourite, and the original is passed around every few years to ensure everyone gets to use it!
There are also three tables. The ‘Drop Leaf’ dining and side tables both feature a delicately curved frame and can be collapsed down for easy storage. The ingenious ‘Pinwheel’ table, meanwhile, consists of several smaller tables that can be used on their own or slotted together to form a larger one. I love the dart-like shapes and understated expression, and it looks incredibly versatile.
Last but not least is the ‘Tripod’ floor lamp, which was sketched out in 1953 but never manufactured. Made from red or black lacquered steel with brass detailing, it has an elegant shade and a slimline arm, anchored by a heavyweight sphere and triangular feet that lend a geometric air to the design.
It’s great to see these wonderful pieces being made available for new generations, and I can imagine them fitting seamlessly into modern-day homes – a testament to their timeless appeal and high level of functionality. They’ll all be available to buy from February, with prices ranging from £365 to £2,170.
Photography via &tradition
Leave a Reply