Mid-century furniture by Johannes Andersen (Denmark)

Johannes Andersen was a Danish mid-century furniture designer who was born in Aarhus, Denmark in 1903. He apprenticed as a cabinetmaker, becoming certified in 1922. By the mid-1930s, when Danish modern design rose in popularity beyond Denmark, he opened his own workshop. He continued to work with other design houses as well, including CFC Silkeborg in Denmark and Trensum in Sweden.

Atr the end of World War II, Andersen saw the burgeoning interest in Scandinavian modern design. He took full advantage of this and began to sell his shapely and eye-pleasing tables, chairs and sideboards to markets outside of Denmark. Other Scandinavian manufacturers took notice of Andersen’s work, which led to many successful, career-long collaborations for the furniture maker.

Andersen's furniture is known for its distinctive shapes, flowing contours, and "restrained chic." He was deeply drawn to organic shapes and flowing lines, and he more... elevated Scandinavian modernism's prioritization of practicality and space conservation to new heights. He worked with luxurious woods like teak, mahogany and rosewood for a range of designs that merged grace and function.

Some of Andersen's most famous designs include the Capri table, the Smile coffee table, and the Pelican chair. The Capri table is a classic example of Andersen's use of curves and flowing lines. The table has a round top with a curved apron, and the legs are tapered and slender. The Smile coffee table is also a curvaceous design, with a round top and a curved base. The Pelican chair is a more sculptural design, with a curved backrest and a seat that resembles the beak of a pelican.

Andersen's furniture is still highly sought-after today, and it is considered to be some of the finest examples of Danish mid-century modern design. His work is represented in the collections of museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Andersen died in 1991 at the age of 88. less...