Danish Modern Designers - Borge Mogensen

BORGE MOGENSEN

1914 -1972

The geographic location of the Scandinavian Nations encouraged the refinement of their design principles rather than a constant reinvention that other stylistic movements have experienced. Such is the case with many Danish designers, including Borge Mogensen. From 1938-1941, Mogensen studied at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen, but the strongest influence on his designs came from his assistantship with the earliest leader of the Danish Modern movement, Kaare Klint. Unlike other Modern designers, Klint believed the historic styles should be studied and improved upon, rather than discarded for their age. Under Klint’s tutelage, Mogensen learned to apply a functionalist approach to historic styles by stripping down the pieces to their most fundamental design, then rebuilding them based on dimensional analysis in accordance with the human body and the needs of a modern home and lifestyle.

Throughout his career, historic styles continued to inspire his designs, most notably, Shaker and Chinese designs. Mogensen is noted for his concern in creating furniture that met the practical needs of the average family, whilst being beautiful, sleek, and impeccably well crafted and organized. Mogensen continued to employ the investigative, hands-on techniques he learned from Klint, which he referred to as the “workshop method.” These interests lead to many different series of modular storage cabinets that could be adapted to the particular needs of the modern individual or family.

Danish Teak Classics - Who Are We?

Danish Teak Classics. What makes a classic?

Who decides what has value? What pieces transcend time and become more valuable with age? We believe quality is the mark of value. This ethic is built into Danish and other Scandinavian designs. This quality is evident in the handcrafted pieces, as well as the pieces made for middle-class enjoyment. In response to the harsh climate, Danish Designers took it upon themselves to create a better indoor environment through quality craftsmanship and uplifting, organic design.

At Danish Teak Classics, we are lovers of fine craft, good design, and all things Danish. Located in the up-and-coming Arts District of NE MPLS, we specialize in the professional restoration of high quality designer pieces from the early to mid-century period. Biannually, Steven Swanson, Owner, travels to Denmark to aquire these much coveted pieces and lovingly revives them to the condition they once held.