Pair of armchairs designed by Sigvard Bernadotte, France & Søn, Denmark, 1960s

Description

Pair of armchairs designed by Sigvard Bernadotte for the Danish manufacturer France & Søn in the 1960s. The geometric frames are made of chrome-plated metal. The seats and backrests are upholstered in black natural leather. The armrests are additionally reinforced with teak elements. The chairs are characterised by their modernist lines and timeless proportions.

Sigvard Oscar Fredrik, Prince Bernadotte, Count of Wisborg, was born on 7 June 1907 and was known until 1934 as Prince Sigvard of Sweden, Duke of Uppland, and was a member of the Swedish royal family. When he married a woman of unequal status, he lost his princely titles. He was also a successful industrial designer. He designed everything from luxury silver objects for Georg Jensen to everyday items made of plastic. Among his iconic designs were the Red Clara bottle opener, the EKA Swede 38 folding knife, the Margrethe bowl, the Bernadotte pitcher and the Facit Private typewriter.

France & Søn—and its predecessor, France & Daverkosen—are today among the most sought-after brands on the vintage market. Many products still in circulation retain their original identification labels and were designed by leading Danish mid-century designers such as Hvidt & Mølgaard, Grete Jalk, Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder and Ole Wanscher. In 1957, when France’s son Julian joined the company, its name was changed to France & Søn. Many models produced by France & Daverkosen bore the designation FD followed by a model number, while France & Søn continued producing these designs under their original names, introducing new collections each year. In the 1960s, Danish designer and manufacturer Poul Cadovius bought France & Søn and renamed it CADO. Cadovius continued producing France & Søn designs and collaborated with an impressive list of iconic designers, including Verner Panton, until the company closed in the mid-1970s. Notable designs produced by France & Søn over more than two decades include the FD145 chair, the Minerva sofa and the Model 523—or Pinwheel—side table by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen in the 1950s; the FD109, FD110 and Senator chairs designed by Ole Wanscher in 1951; and the Diplomat chairs, as well as the FD164 armchair and footstool by Arne Vodder. The fact that so many France & Søn pieces can still be found in very good condition today is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality.

The set is in original vintage condition, with minor scuffs and natural patina. The seat height is 46 cm.