Iconic Hvidt & Molgaard 'Minerva' Model 418 Sofa by France & Son
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The geometric frame of this sleek sofa is made of solid teak, yet maintains a feeling of lightness as it rests on gently tapering legs. We love the subtle, considered details of this design like the open backrest, supported by steel rods. The brand new cushions have been reupholstered in a chic fabric and are very comfortable.
Danish designer Peter Hvidt trained as an architect and cabinetmaker. His furniture designing career has been studded with a trail of iconic statements of design – this sofa, designed with Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen is no exception. The pair collaborated on a range of incredible design pieces and are still highly regarded by collectors.
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
The items showcased in our gallery are constantly changing – not all items are on display at once.
Please enquire if there is a specific piece you would like to view and we’ll make sure it’s in the gallery.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Ponsonby gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Please enquire for delivery options.
Iconic Hvidt & Molgaard 'Minerva' Model 418 Sofa by France & Son
Note: We showcase a curated edit from the Mr. Bigglesworthy catalogue. Please contact us to view specific items.
Born in Copenhagen in 1916, Peter Hvidt trained as an architect and cabinet maker at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Shortly after graduating, he set up a design office with Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen in 1944. Their company 'Hvidt & Mølgaard' was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design throughout the mid-century, creating furniture that was elegant, easy to mass-produce and economic to transport.
During their careers Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen designed over 250 pieces of furniture for Danish furniture companies such as Fritz Hansen, France & Son and Søborg Møbelfabrik. Today the duo's most iconic design is known as the 'AX' chair. It was exhibited in 1951 as part of the 'Good Design' show at MoMA. The chair was loved for it's refined form, robust construction and ability to easily flat pack.
Hvidt & Mølgaard was co-run by Peter and Orla until 1975 when the pair retired. Their approach to design and production helped shape the golden era of Danish design. Today their designs are considered Scandinavian classics and pieces such as their storage units, day beds, and tables are highly sought after collectors pieces.
