Peter Hvidt (1919-1986) was a Danish architect and Cabinet maker.
Education
He studied cabinetmaking at Kunsthandvaerkerskolen, Copenhagen.
Biography
In 1942, he opened an office where various designers worked: Orla Molgard-Nielsen from 1944—75, Hans Kristensen from 1970, and British designer Adrian Heath. He had clients, including Fritz Hansen, France and Son, Allerod, Mobelexport, and Soborg Mobelfabrik.
The 1950 AX range of chairs and tables (with Molgard-Nielsen), produced by Fritz Hansen in 1960, marked the introduction of the laminate-glueing process (originally used in tennis-racket manufacture) in furniture making, while the design fostered an interest in Danish furniture. One sheet of laminated wood formed the chair’s arms and seat frame. He also pioneered knock-down furniture.
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen ‘X’ Chair
This stunning chair is a true work of art, featuring a burl wood inlay and expertly crafted laminated woodwork. The result is a highly sculptural and elegant piece. This chair was created by the Danish designer duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, who worked together between 1944-1975. With backgrounds in architecture, the couple designed around 250 furniture objects during their partnership. Their designs are known for their clean lines, simplicity, and functionality, all displayed in this exceptional chair.
Exhibitions
- He collaborated with (with Molgard-Nielsen) Shown at 1956—57 German ‘Neue Form aus Danemark’ traveling exhibition;
- 1958 ‘Formes Scan- dinaves’ at the Paris Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
- Molgard-Nielsen and Hvidt received diplomas of honour at 1951 ([X) and 1954 (X) Triennali di Milano and the ‘Good Design’ award in the USA in the 1950s for the AX 6003 chair. AX chair was shown at 1951 ‘Good Design’ exhibition, New York Museum of Modern Art;
- 1966 ‘Vijftig Jaar Zitten,’ Stedelijk Museum;
- 1970 ‘Modern Chairs 1918—1970′ exhibition, Whitechapel Gallery, London;
- 1980 ‘Scandinavian Modern Design 1880—1980′ exhibition, Cooper-Hewitt Museum, New York.
More Danish Designers
-
Fredericia: A Triumph of Danish Design and Innovation
Fredericia, a Danish furniture company, thrived post-WWII through strategic collaborations, innovative designs, and visionary business strategies, highlighting the transformative power of design in shaping brand identity. The brand moulded global design trends while maintaining its unique aesthetics and functionality. Read More →
-
Anker Bak: A Journey from Carpentry to Innovative Design
Born in 1983, Anker Bak reshapes design through his unique craftsmanship and understanding of functionality, honed through a journey from carpentry to innovative design. His notable creations, like the wooden crutch and Rocking Nest Chair, highlight his blending of minimalism, functionality, and aesthetic beauty.Read More →
-
The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity: A Look at Rikke Frost
Rikke Frost, an iconic Danish designer, skillfully blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Her celebrated Sideways Sofa, a collaboration with Carl Hansen & Son, showcases her deep understanding of materials and their narrative potency. Frost’s work, marked by adaptability for modern production and quick innovation, has earned her widespread recognition and accolades. Read More →
-
Vilhelm Lauritzen: The Architect of Danish Modernism
Vilhelm Lauritzen, a pioneer of Danish Modernism, revolutionized architecture with a philosophy of functionality and aesthetic grace. His influential projects, such as Copenhagen Airport and Radiohuset, and interior designs showcase his versatility. His legacy continues to impact globally.Read More →
-
Dansk International Designs: A Scandinavian Design Legacy
Dansk quickly gained a reputation for well-designed dinnerware that embodied the sophisticated postwar Scandinavian aesthetic of combining artisan traditions with industrial production. Read More →
-
Danish Design Legacy: Lars Mathiesen’s Artistic Journey
Experience Lars Mathiesen’s enchanting Café Table, a harmonious fusion of modern design and classic aesthetics. Explore the captivating allure of this collaborative creation with Fritz Hansen.Read More →
-
The Tapestry of Ruth Malinowski: A Beacon of Danish Art
Renowned Danish artist Ruth Malinowski, born in 1928 in Vienna, Austria, has a compelling story that transcends boundaries. Her artistry, profoundly manifested in her tapestry work, marries traditional weaving techniques with contemporary designs, leaving an indelible impact on the art world. Read More →
-
Gundorph Albertus: Danish Silversmith and Designer Extraordinaire
Gundorph Albertus, the renowned Danish silversmith and designer, left an indelible mark on the world of silver craftsmanship. Working for Georg Jensen A/S, he is best known for his iconic creations, the Cactus and Mitra flatware patterns. This blog post explores Albertus’s early life, education, and illustrious career, highlighting his notable achievements and contributions. From…
-
Hans J. Wegner Danish Furniture Designer
Organic Functionality, a modernist school emphasising Functionality, is a term used to define his style. With contributions by Poul Henningsen, Alvar Aalto, and Arne Jacobsen, this school of thought originated predominantly in Scandinavian countries.Read More →
-
Flemming Eskildsen (b.1930) Danish designer and Silversmith
In 1958 Eskildsen joined the Georg Jensen design department making designs for flatware, jewellery and hollowware. He became the foreman of the design department in 1962.Read More →
-
Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari Chair: A Refined and Iconic Design
Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari Chair is a refined and iconic design that combines historical influences with modern sensibilities. Inspired by British campaign furniture, the chair features a simple ash wood frame, exquisite leather components, and visible joinery. Read More →
-
Grethe Meyer (1918 – 2008) Danish architect, & designer of furniture & glassware
She worked on the editorial staff of The Building Manual from 1944 to 1955. She was a crucial figure in Borge Mogensen’s research on the standardisation of consumer product sizes, and she collaborated with him frequently. They created the Boligens Byggeskabe (BB) and resund cabinet-storage systems in 1957.Read More →
-
Johan Rohde (1856 – 1935) Danish Architect & Designer
He was born in Randers, where he graduated from grammar school in 1875 and studied medicine before turning to art and painting. In 1882, he enrolled in the Academy after studying privately with Wenzel Torne.Read More →
-
Leif Erik Rasmussen (b.1942) Danish furniture designer
Leif Erik Rasmussen is a Danish architect and furniture designer. He studied furniture design at Kunsthåndværkersklen, Copenhagen to 1968.Read More →
-
Fritz Hansen Danish furniture manufacturing company
Fritz Hansen, a cabinetmaker who started producing and supplying furniture parts before going into bentwood furniture production, founded this major Danish furniture manufacturing company in Copenhagen. In the 1930s, the company began to produce tubular steel designs by Dutch designer Mart Stam and others, in addition to wooden furniture. Read More →
-
Danish Pepper: Jens Quistgaard’s Teak Pepper Mills
At the height of the Danish Modern movement, Jens Quistgaard and Dansk spiced up the design world with a stunning series of sculptural wood salt and pepper mills. Danish Pepper features photos and illustrations of Dansk and other Danish mills, accompanied by a rich history of the mills and their creators.Read More →
-
101 Danish Design Icons (hardcover)
A definitive history of 20th-century Danish design through 101 classic objects. Denmark has long loomed large in international design history. Today, Danish furniture, textiles, home appliances and utensils from the 1960s and ‘70s are more popular than ever, for sale at design galleries and a rarity at flea markets. Read More →
-
Børge Mogensen (1914 – 1972) Danish furniture designer
Børge Mogensen (1914 – 1972) was a Danish furniture designer. 1936-38, studied Kunsthåndværkerskolen, Copenhagen, and 1938-42, furniture, Det Kongelige Danske Kunstakademi, Copenhagen, under Kaare Klint. Read More →
-
Arne Petersen (1922 – 2002) Danish Metalworker
At the Copenhagen firm C.C. Herman, Petersen learnt silver and goldsmithing methods. He joined the Georg Jensen Solvsmedie in 1948 and worked in the hollow-ware department until 1976. His 1975 Bottle Opener, made of stainless steel soldered with brass, received a lot of attention. Read More →
-
Peter Hvidt (1919-1986) Danish architect and Cabinet maker
Peter Hvidt (1919-1986) was a Danish architect and Cabinet maker.Read More →