Ole Wanscher

executed by A. J. Iversen
rosewood, original leather upholstery

Esbjørn Hiort, Finn Juhl: Furniture, Architecture, Applied Art, Copenhagen, 1990, p. 122 for a relatable model
Grete Jalk, ed., 40 Years of Danish Furniture Design, vol. 4:1957-1966, Copenhagen, 1987, pp. 166-167
Noritsugu Oda, Danish Chairs, San Francisco, 1999, p. 66
Bodil Busk Laursen, Søren Matz and Christian Holmsted Olesen, Mesterværker: 100 års dansk møbelsnedkeri, Copenhagen, 2000, p. 132 for a relatable example

Overall good condition consistent with age and gentle use. Minor nicks and scratches scattered throughout, but largely concentrated to feet. The finish on all chairs has been professionally refreshed and all joints at the back railings with sensitively executed professional stabilization. One chair with a professional repair to a hairline crack radiating down from the proper left joint of the back railing. A second chair with a sensitive restoration and repair radiating down from the back right proper joint. A third chair with sensitive and professional restoration to the upper back rest supports (3 1/2 and 5 in. respectively). Here rosewood has been replaced with similarly hued walnut and this is likely due to the restoration laws regarding contemporary rosewood. All leather seats are original with evidence of gentle wear, light scratches and minor areas of scattered cracking as expected with leather seats of this age. This is a wonderful and very rare example of this model which, through sensitive and thoughtful professional restoration, retains its distinguishing period features.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present lot illustrates Ole Wanscher's ability to combine classicism and modernism in a slim, resilient form.  The inspiration for this chair, and many others designed by Wanscher, is drawn from a personal interest in Egyptian, Greek and English furniture designs, which derived from his travels abroad.  Wanscher created his best known designs from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, and this rare 1961 model is an elegant adaptation of his early 'T-chair' designed in 1957.  Exhibited at the 1961 Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition, the form is differentiated from the 'T-chair' by the subtle curve of the front legs, a clear allusion to the ancient Greek 'Klismos' design.  Celebrated for his passion for industrially produced furniture of quality, it is Wanscher's collaboration with master cabinetmakers, such as A.J. Iversen, that truly characterise his finest work.

This model was first exhibited at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition, 1961 and is referenced in the Design Museum Danmark Furniture Index under RP05904.