Armchair no.317 by Peter Hividt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielson in teak and paper chord, Denmark (c.1956)

This stunning No. 317 armchair, designed by Danish duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen in 1956, exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of mid-century design. 

The chairs has a solid teak wood frame paired with an original woven paper cord seat.  The warm teak frame has a rich, natural patina, while the handwoven seat remains firm and intact. A standout feature is the beautifully inlaid dowels that seamlessly secure the backrest to the frame - a subtle detail that reflects the precision of Danish craftsmanship.  The chair is in near perfect, preserving the authenticity of its 1950s origins. 

Dimensions; 

- Height: 75 cm 

- Width: 48 cm 

- Depth: 46 cm 

Peter Hvidt (1916–1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907–1993) were influential Danish architects and furniture designers. Hvidt studied at the Kunsthåndværkerskolen (School of Arts and Crafts) in Copenhagen, where he specialised in industrial design. Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen trained as a cabinetmaker before studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he developed his skills in furniture and architectural design. 

The duo founded their design studio, Hvidt & Mølgaard in 1944 and collaborated until 1975, creating an impressive portfolio of furniture and architectural works. Their designs were characterised by clean lines, functional aesthetics, and innovative production techniques, such as their pioneering use of modular and flat-pack furniture. 

They worked with renowned Danish manufacturers, including France & Søn and Fritz Hansen, producing iconic pieces like the AX Chair (1947) and Armchair No. 317 (1956). Beyond furniture, the pair also designed buildings and infrastructure, blending architectural precision with Scandinavian simplicity. 

Hvidt and Mølgaard’s work remains celebrated for its craftsmanship, practicality, and timeless elegance, making them icons of Danish modernism.