1950s Danish Teak Coffee Table by France & Søn

Description

An unusual Danish coffee table produced by France & Søn, dating from the late 1950s.

What immediately sets this table apart is the top. Teak veneers have been carefully selected and laid in contrasting directions, creating a geometric composition across the surface. Darker bands divide the top into sections, while a broad mitred teak border frames the whole piece. The changing direction of the grain gives it considerably more character than the simpler teak tables produced during the period.

The top sits above a restrained rectangular frame with four slender, gently tapered legs. It's a nice balance. The decorative surface does most of the work, while the base remains typically simple and well proportioned.

The original France & Søn manufacturer's badge remains to the underside.

The table dates from an interesting period in the company's history. France & Søn emerged from France & Daverkosen in 1957 and became one of the important manufacturers of post-war Danish modern furniture.

This particular model has proved difficult to document. It has previously been attributed to Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, while other examples have been attributed to Finn Juhl. We have not yet found a period catalogue or model reference that conclusively confirms either designer, so we have chosen to leave the designer unattributed.

Regardless of attribution, it's an unusually decorative France & Søn table and a particularly good example of the quality of Danish furniture being produced at the end of the 1950s.

Dimensions

H 40 cm x W 124 cm x D 47.5 cm