Beech FD130 Armchair and Matching FD131 Footstool by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard for France and Søn, (1960s) Denmark

FD130 Armchair & FD131 Footstool - Rare Beech Version By Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Son, 1960s

A rare example of the FD130 armchair with matching FD131 footstool, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Son. These models are almost always found in teak, this set, in beech, is much paler in tone and a particularly unusual find.

The design has clean sled legs,  curved armrests and precise proportions.

Restoration
This set has been fully restored in our workshop:
    •    Frames carefully sanded and oiled to bring out the natural pale beech grain.
    •    The original sprung unit had been stripped and restored with new foam.
    •    New leather cushions made in our St Albans workshop

Dimensions
    •    Armchair: H 72cm x W 68cm x D 75cm
    •    Footstool: H 34cm x W 62cm x D 56cm

About France & Son
Founded in Denmark in the 1940s, France & Son (originally France & Daverkosen) became one of the most important furniture makers of the mid-20th century. Known for their beautiful craftsmanship, precision joinery and modular production, they collaborated with many of Denmark’s leading designers, including Finn Juhl, Grete Jalk and Hvidt & Mølgaard. Their pieces were exported widely and helped establish Denmark’s international reputation for modern furniture design.

About Hvidt & Mølgaard
Architects Peter Hvidt (1916–1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907–1993) worked together from 1944, producing some of the most iconic Danish designs of the 1950s and 60s. Known for their elegant, functional furniture, they often experimented with laminated wood and modular systems, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern industrial methods. Their work is represented in major museum collections worldwide.