Teak wood “dropleaf” desk – Søborg Møbler, Denmark circa 1955 1950 - 1960

Børge Mogensen

Chromed steelBeechwoodWoodMetalTeak
70 ⨯ 130 ⨯ 80 cm
ConditionVery good
Price on request

Van Kerkhoff Art

• About the artwork
  A rare Teak wood “Dropleaf” desk. Designed by the renowned Danish furniture designer Børge Mogensen in 1953. Executed by Søborg Møbler in Copenhagen around the same period.
  
  The desk consist of a solid teakwood desktop supported by a chromed tubular frame. The desk is fitted with a teakwood drawer unit with two drawers with steel handles. The desk folds out through an extension leaf of teakwood supported by an ingenious hinge system.
  
  This “Dropleaf” desk is in excellent condition and has been recently restored.
  
  
  
  About Børge Mogensen
  Børge Mogensen (1914–1972) was a celebrated Danish furniture designer and a leading figure in the “Danish Modern” movement. His work is characterized by its minimalist, functional, and timeless design, which sought to combine high craftsmanship with accessibility.
  
  Born in Aalborg, Denmark, Mogensen trained as a cabinetmaker before studying furniture design at the “Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts” under the influential designer Kaare Klint. Klint’s principles of functionalism, simplicity, and the use of natural materials deeply shaped Mogensen’s approach to design.
  
  Mogensen was committed to the idea of democratic design, creating high-quality furniture that was affordable and practical for everyday use. His tenure at FDB Møbler, where he worked on mass-produced, functional furniture, solidified this philosophy. Later, his collaboration with Fredericia Furniture produced some of his most iconic designs, such as the Spanish Chair (1958) and the J39 Chair (1947), both of which reflect his blend of traditional influences with modern aesthetics.
  
  Throughout his career, Mogensen emphasized durability, craftsmanship, and comfort, often drawing inspiration from traditional furniture and folk designs. His work, characterized by its clean lines, solid construction, and use of natural materials like oak and leather, remains highly influential in contemporary furniture design. Today, many of his pieces are still in production and are considered classics of Scandinavian design.
  
  
  Marked
  Unmarked, well-known design.
  
  Execution
  Søborg Møbler, Copenhagen Denmark circa 1955
  
  Condition
  Beautiful all original condition.
  
  Dimensions
  Height 70,5 cm
  Width 130/180 cm
  Depth 80 cm
  
  Literature
  Per H. Hansen & Klaus Petersen. “Danish Furniture guide”, p. 115.
• About the artist

  Børge Mogensen (1914–1972) was a Danish furniture designer renowned for his contributions to functional, timeless design that merged traditional craftsmanship with modernist ideals. A key figure in the Danish Modern movement, Mogensen created iconic pieces that remain highly regarded for their simplicity, practicality, and enduring elegance.

  Born on April 13, 1914, in Aalborg, Denmark, Mogensen displayed an early interest in woodworking. He trained as a cabinetmaker, completing his apprenticeship in 1934. Eager to deepen his understanding of design, he attended the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen, where he studied under Kaare Klint, a pivotal influence in his career. Mogensen later enrolled at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1942.

  Mogensen's design philosophy was rooted in creating functional furniture for everyday use. He believed in using high-quality materials and fine craftsmanship to produce designs that would last for generations. His approach emphasized clean lines, proportionality, and user comfort, reflecting the Scandinavian ethos of blending beauty and utility.

  In 1942, Mogensen became the head of design at the Danish Cooperative Wholesale Society’s furniture division, where he began experimenting with affordable, functional designs for modern living. From 1945 to 1950, he served as the chief architect for FDB Møbler, where he pioneered the concept of "democratic design," making stylish furniture accessible to a wider audience.

  In 1950, Mogensen established his own studio, where he created many of his most iconic works. Collaborating with master craftsmen such as cabinetmaker Andreas Graversen, Mogensen produced timeless pieces like the Spanish Chair (1958), inspired by traditional Andalusian furniture, and the Hunting Chair (1950), notable for its innovative use of leather and wood.

  Mogensen was instrumental in shaping Denmark's global reputation as a leader in modern design. His furniture designs, characterized by their modest elegance and impeccable craftsmanship, remain highly sought after and are still in production by manufacturers like Fredericia Furniture.

  Throughout his career, Mogensen received numerous awards, including the Eckersberg Medal in 1950 and the C.F. Hansen Medal in 1972. His work is featured in prominent museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

  Børge Mogensen passed away on October 5, 1972, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence contemporary design. His commitment to simplicity, quality, and functionality has ensured that his designs remain timeless classics in the world of furniture design.

   

   

   

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