Modernist leather armchair, Model 39, designed by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen for Søren Willadsen, Denmark, 1960s

Description

Modernist leather armchair, Model 39, designed by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen for Søren Willadsen, Denmark, 1960s

A rare Model 39 armchair designed by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen for the Danish manufacturer Søren Willadsen in the 1960s. The armchair stands out with its low profile and striking, almost architectural construction. It features characteristic armrests and a gently inclined backrest, giving it a subtly sculptural character. The simple frame is made of solid wood. The structure is upholstered in genuine cognac-coloured leather. This model has two loosely placed leather cushions with a natural, original patina.

Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen was an outstanding Danish furniture designer whose work is defined by the combination of functional elegance and the highest-quality natural materials. His designs are characterised by organic forms that harmonise with their solid construction. Although he is most closely associated with the Søren Willadsen manufacturer, he also designed for brands such as Søborg Møbelfabrik, including the famous Model 501 armchair, and Bovirke (Model Safari).

Søren Willadsen was a manufacturer founded in 1904 by master cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen. Initially a small workshop, it began larger-scale production in 1912. In the 1930s and 1940s, the manufacturer collaborated with design icons such as Finn Juhl, Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel, and Illum Wikkelsø. Willadsen was renowned for its uncompromising approach to quality. The founder himself joked that if, as a young cabinetmaker, he had tried to make furniture as innovative as that designed by Finn Juhl, he would have been locked up, underscoring the avant-garde nature of the production. The brand’s legacy is so strong that in 2025 the relaunch of the iconic Willadsen Series (originally SW 50), designed by Finn Juhl, was announced.

The armchair has been preserved in its original vintage condition. The leather shows numerous signs of age, including pigment changes, scuffs, and natural patina. The seat height is 44 cm. We have three examples of this model available. The other two armchairs are listed separately. Together, they form a beautiful set, which is shown in the photographs.

The colours of the products shown in the photographs may differ slightly from the actual colours. This is due to individual monitor settings and the type of lighting—the photographs were taken in artificial light, which may affect the perception of the shades. We nevertheless make every effort to ensure that the photographs reflect the actual appearance of the product as accurately as possible. The listing may include photographs of the item in an interior setting. These are for illustrative purposes only.