Dansk Møbelkunst Gallery
At Dansk Møbelkunst Gallery in Copenhagen, they know what is worth knowing about Scandinavian furniture design.
Dansk Møbelkunst Gallery specializes in rare, original works of Danish furniture that were created during 1920-70 when a circle of craftsmen, architects, and designers erased the distinction between works of art and functional equipment for everyday life. Established by Ole Høstbo in 1992, Dansk Møbelkunst takes its name from the Danish word for Furniture Art, a term that is rooted in the handicraft tradition and signifies a synthesis of aesthetics, utility, and craftsmanship. During the twentieth century, møbelkunst evolved from the reproduction of historical styles to the creation of truly modern furniture that relied on beautiful materials, rather than applied decoration, and finely crafted details for its aesthetic value.
The gallery’s expertise encompasses both handcrafted masterpieces and iconic works of industrial design. During the 1920s and ‘30s, furniture architects such as Kaare Klint, Ole Wanscher, and Finn Juhl worked in partnership with master cabinetmakers from workshops such as Rudolf Rasmussen, A. J. Iversen and Niels Vodder, to produce works of extraordinary quality and enduring beauty. After 1945, architects and designers who had been trained by Klint, including Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner, Børge Mogensen, and Poul Kjærholm, applied his ideas and the standards of the traditional craftsmen to factory production.
In addition to important furniture, the gallery handles a wide range of applied artworks and has become a leading authority on the light fixtures of Poul Henningsen. Beginning in 1921, Henningsen revolutionized lighting by combining functional logic with profound attention to comfort. The early PH lamps and pendants, from 1924-43, bridge the gap between a handmade artefact and an industrial object and are especially grateful.
Contemporary design
In 2018 the gallery teamed up with a select group of contemporary designers to further cultivate the values that apply to the gallery’s work within the field of 20th century Nordic design. Works by Michael Anastassiades and Claus Bjerre have so far been added to the inventory. Both designers share a lot of values with Dansk Møbelkunst Gallery. Their attention to detail and devotion to quality relates very well to the Danish cabinetmaking tradition of timeless design and superb craftsmanship.
The works for Dansk Møbelkunst Gallery are made as limited editions.
Activities
Beyond its commercial activities, the gallery works to expand the appreciation of important Danish furniture through publications and exhibitions. In 2007, Dansk Møbelkunst was a co-publisher for the English-language edition of Arne Karlsen’s 2-volume work, Danish Furniture Design in the 20th Century, originally published in 1990 and the definitive reference on the subject. Since 1999, Dansk Møbelkunst has mounted exhibitions and produced illustrated catalogues on the work of Kaare Klint + Poul Kjærholm, Hans J. Wegner, Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, and Danish cabinetmakers furniture.
Exhibitions
Dansk Møbelkunst exhibits at the most important international art and design fairs such as TEFAF (Maastricht and New York), Design Miami (Basel and Miami), The FIAC (Paris), Pavillon des Antiquaires et des Beaux-Arts (Paris), PAD (London) and the Biennale des Antiquaires (Paris).
Dansk Møbelkunst exports Danish design to all parts of the world, and besides the gallery in Bredgade in Copenhagen, they have a gallery in Paris and a showroom in Østerbro, Copenhagen.