The Story Behind

The chair holds a special place in Danish furniture design, and Ole Wanscher gave it a classic and refined expression with clear connections to European furniture history. Wanscher (1903-1985) studied under Kaare Klint and later took over his professorship at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he educated an entire generation of furniture architects.

Ole Wanscher's chairs are characterized by slender proportions, precise joints, and a thoughtful understanding of classical furniture traditions, often drawing inspiration from 18th-century English furniture art, antique forms, and Asian craftsmanship. At KLASSIK, you will find original Ole Wanscher chairs from various periods of his collaboration with Danish cabinetmakers and furniture factories.

Design and Materials

Ole Wanscher's chairs range from cabinetmaker-crafted models for A. J. Iversen to mass-produced furniture for Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik. Common to his work is a consistent simplification of the line, making the chair appear light, precise, and calmly balanced without superfluous details.

The materials vary from model to model and include mahogany, rosewood, oak, and teak, among others. In addition, woven cane, leather, wool, and horsehair are used for seats, backs, and upholstery. Wanscher worked closely with cabinetmakers, and the craftsmanship is often evident in the turned legs, the finely finished armrests, and the tight joints.

Known Models of Ole Wanscher's Chairs

PJ 149 Colonial Chair: Slender frame and English inspiration

The PJ 149 Colonial Chair was designed by Ole Wanscher in 1949 and produced by Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik. The model references 18th and 19th-century English and French colonial furniture art and is characterized by a slender wooden frame, a light seat, and loose cushions, giving the chair its distinctive balance between precision and comfort. The Colonial Chair is Wanscher's most famous work and is currently produced by Carl Hansen & Søn as OW 149.

PJ 301 Armchair: Upright form and classic serenity

The PJ 301 Armchair relates to Wanscher's work with slender, classically inspired chair types. The model has a more upright and enclosed character than the Colonial Chair, with clear proportions and a design language where armrests, back, and seat are calmly balanced.

Rungstedlund Dining Chair: Inspired by Karen Blixen's home

The Rungstedlund Dining Chair is part of Wanscher's Rungstedlund series from 1967, produced by Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik. The series is named after Rungstedlund north of Copenhagen, the home of author Karen Blixen, whose furniture served as inspiration for Wanscher's interpretation. The chair is typically made of mahogany, originally with upholstery in horsehair, leather, or textile, and is part of a larger dining series.

Benedikte Dining Chair: A royal chair

The Benedikte Dining Chair was designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen. As with Wanscher's other cabinetmaker furniture, the construction is clearly readable, and the joints are executed with great precision. The model is seen, among other things, in mahogany and with upholstery in leather, textile, or horsehair. The chair is named after Princess Benedikte, who was born in 1944.

Cabinetmaker Classics by A. J. Iversen - Wanscher's early period

For several decades, Wanscher worked with cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen, and their collaboration resulted in a series of chairs and armchairs with a clear emphasis on proportions, joints, and material understanding. These pieces of furniture are often produced in smaller series and are particularly sought after when originality, condition, and provenance can be documented.

Restoration at KLASSIK

At KLASSIK, each Ole Wanscher chair is individually assessed with respect for the original design and craftsmanship. Restoration is carried out with a focus on preserving the chair's materials, proportions, and character, so that the whole appears authentic.

Since 1991, our workshop has worked with original Danish furniture classics and has extensive experience with Wanscher's chairs in various models and executions. For reupholstery and repair, we use high-quality materials, including leather from Sørensen Leather and textiles from Kvadrat, selected with an eye for the furniture's original expression.

Sell Your Ole Wanscher Chair to KLASSIK

We purchase original Ole Wanscher chairs, including the PJ 149 Colonial Chair, the PJ 301 Armchair, the Rungstedlund Dining Chair, the Benedikte Dining Chair, as well as chairs and armchairs produced by A. J. Iversen. Send us photos and relevant information via our contact form to receive a professional appraisal based on condition, originality, and demand.

At KLASSIK, we buy original Danish furniture from the 1920s to the 1980s. We emphasize a serious and professional sales process focused on correct appraisal and dialogue.

Originality, Sustainability, and Guarantee of Authenticity

An original Ole Wanscher chair carries its history in the patina of its materials and the marks that come with use over time. At KLASSIK, we consider these signs to be part of the furniture's quality and longevity. With over 30 years of experience and thousands of pieces of furniture passing through our hands, we guarantee the authenticity of all furniture in our assortment.

Therefore, we offer a lifetime guarantee of authenticity on all furniture purchased from us. At KLASSIK, you invest in original Danish design - with certainty.

Contact Us

Since 1991, we have specialized in the purchase, sale, and restoration of original Danish furniture classics. You are always welcome to contact us or visit our store at Bredgade 3, 1260 Copenhagen K.

Phone: +45 33 33 90 60
Email: support@klassik.dk
Instagram: @klassikcopenhagen