Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Furniture

BØRGE MOGENSEN for Fredericia Stolefabrik.
Pair of “5365” coffee tables, 1990s.
Oak wood.
Exhibits wear consistent with age and use.
With label.
Measurements: 52 x 120 x 80 cm (x2).

This coffee table design was originally conceived in the 1960s as part of the functional home furniture collections that Mogensen developed as chief designer at Fredericia.

Børge Mogensen was one of the most prominent representatives of the generation of designers who gave rise to the concept of Danish design, now known throughout the world. He began his career as a cabinetmaker in 1934, and two years later began his studies at the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts, where he studied under Kaare Klint. He then enrolled at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, graduating with a degree in architecture in 1942. That same year, he began working as design director at FDB, eventually establishing his own practice in 1950. “Functional” is the word that best describes Mogensen’s design; most of his creations were conceived for industrial production and are characterized by solid, simple lines, studied almost scientifically to be as functional as possible. His clean, highly functional aesthetic resulted in affordable and practical designs, with wood being his favorite material. His client portfolio included Fredericia Stolefabrik, Fritz Hansen, and Søborg Møbelfabrik, among others. Notable projects include the Spokeback Sofa (1945) and the Spanish Chair (1959), as well as a variety of shelving and storage designs. He was honored with the Eckersberg Medal in 1950, the Copenhagen Carpenters’ Guild’s annual award in 1953, and the C.F. Hansen Medal in 1972.