3 piece Teak Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, (1950s) Denmark

Rare Minerva Sofa Set with FD418 Corner Table (France & Daverkosen, 1950)

This set is also priced as individual parts on separate listings.

A fully original and exceptionally rare Minerva seating set designed in 1950 by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen. This suite includes:

    •    Minerva FD417 three-seater sofa with armrest
    •    Minerva FD417 two-seater sofa with armrest
    •    FD418 corner table with original rattan shelf

Every piece is marked and labelled with the correct France & Daverkosen stamps, confirming early production and full authenticity.

Design & Construction

The Minerva series was one of Hvidt & Mølgaard-Nielsen’s most innovative modular systems. It was designed around the idea of flexibility and engineering efficiency.
    •    Both sofas can be fully dismantled: legs screw into metal casings; back and side rests fix with beautifully machined aluminium bolts.
    •    Armrests can be positioned on either side, allowing multiple configurations.
    •    Deep, wide seats offer generous comfort -  ideal for reading, relaxing or everyday family use. When the back cushion is removed, the three-seater is equivalent in size to a single bed, a feature that made the Minerva a highly practical design in mid-century Danish homes.

FD418 Corner Table

The corner table is an original early France & Daverkosen example with its woven rattan magazine shelf intact. The teak frame has a rich, even tone and presents beautifully.

Condition

All pieces are in excellent vintage condition with original frames, fixings and labels. The teak has a warm, consistent grain, and the rattan shelf has a slight bow to item the rattan is undamaged,

A rare opportunity to acquire a complete, early-production Minerva suite.

About the Designers

Peter Hvidt (1916–1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907–1993) were leading figures in Danish modernism. Known for their refined approach to structure and their commitment to efficient, elegant solutions, they designed pieces that were both technically advanced and visually understated. Their work with France & Daverkosen helped establish Danish furniture as an international export in the 1950s.

Provenance
    •    France & Daverkosen, Denmark
    •    All pieces with makers mark
    •    Designed 1950

Dimensions

2 seater sofa - Height 88.0 cm Width 125.0 cm Depth 82.0 cm

3 seater sofa - Height 78.0 cm Width 202.0 cm Depth 77.0 cm

Table - Height 65.0 cm Width 75.0 cm Depth 75.0 cm