Mid-century furniture by Ib Kofod-Larsen (Denmark)

Ib Kofod-Larsen was a Danish mid-century modern furniture designer and maker. He was born on May 6, 1921, in a small village in Denmark. He showed an early interest in design and architecture, and he apprenticed as a cabinetmaker before attending the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen.

After graduating from the academy in 1948, Kofod-Larsen worked as a freelance designer for several companies. In the early 1950s, he began designing furniture for the British company G-Plan, and his work quickly became internationally known.

Kofod-Larsen's furniture is characterized by its clean lines, organic forms, and use of natural materials. He was particularly fond of using teak and rosewood, and his furniture often features curved and sculptural elements. One of Kofod-Larsen's most iconic designs is the "Penguin" chair, created in 1953. This lounge chair is characterized by its distinctive low, curved more... backrest and the tapered wooden legs that resemble a penguin's legs, hence the name. Another notable design by Kofod-Larsen is the "Seal" chair, introduced in 1956. This chair features a sculptural backrest that wraps around the sitter like an embrace, creating a sense of comfort and intimacy.

Throughout his career, Kofod-Larsen collaborated with various Scandinavian furniture manufacturers, such as Selig and Faarup Møbelfabrik, to bring his designs to a wider audience. Kofod-Larsen continued to design furniture until his death in 2003. He is considered one of the most important Danish furniture designers of the 20th century. less...