Grete Jalk, armchairs for France & Son

GRETE JALK (Denmark, 1920–2006) for France & Son.
A pair of armchairs, model 118 in teak and pillows in floral fabric. Designed in 1963.
Signs of wear considering the age.
Produced by for France & Son.
Measurements: 80 x 80 x 75 cm, 43 cm (seat height).

The Model 118 armchair is one of the most iconic pieces of mid-20th-century Scandinavian design. It features a solid teak frame with light, organic lines, tapered legs, and gently curved armrests that blend seamlessly with the backrest, creating an elegant and balanced silhouette. The seat and backrest incorporate separate cushions, originally supported by elastic straps, which provide great comfort without sacrificing visual lightness. The combination of refined proportions, excellent cabinetmaking, and a functional aesthetic makes Model 118 an icon of Danish furniture, reflecting Grete Jalk’s ability to unite ergonomics, simplicity, and formal sophistication in a timeless piece.

Jalk, considered one of the most influential designers of Danish modernism, studied cabinetmaking at the Copenhagen School of Design for Women from 1940 to 1942, and completed her training at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the influential designer Kaare Klint. In 1946, she won first prize in the annual competition of the Cabinetmakers’ Guild, and five years later, her designs were highly acclaimed at the 1951 Milan Triennale. Jalk is known for her well-thought-out designs, carefully tailored to the needs of future owners, and for embracing technological and social progress; her designs were produced by leading manufacturers such as Henning Jensen, Poul Jeppesen, and Fritz Hansen. By the 1960s, Jalk had developed her own distinctive style, which gave rise to a new, modern aesthetic that reflected the needs of the time.

France & Søn—and its predecessor, France & Daverkosen—are among the most sought-after names in today’s vintage market. Many of the pieces still in circulation retain their original labels. Their products were designed by the most important mid-century Danish designers, such as Hvidt & Mølgaard, Grete Jalk, Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder, and Ole Wanscher.