Knud Hansen for Søren Willadsen Set of Twelve Danish Dining Chairs in Leather and Elm

Knud E. Hansen for Søren Willadsens Møbelfabrik, set of twelve dining chairs, leather, elm, Denmark, 1952

A refined set of dining chairs, designed by Danish designer Knud E. Hansen and brought to life by the skilled hands at Søren Willadsens Møbelfabrik in Vejen, Denmark. These chairs exemplify timeless Danish design, but it is their history that truly sets them apart. Originally commissioned for the Danish ferry M/F Broen, built in 1952, they once served passengers on the important route between Seeland and Fyn – the main artery connecting Copenhagen with the rest of Denmark. Archival images even show this very chair in the royal private lounge, used during the reign of King Frederik IX.

Søren Willadsen wasn’t just a craftsman – he had a rare talent for being exactly where Danish design was happening. With an exceptional eye for quality, he collaborated with some of the great names in mid-century furniture, including Finn Juhl, Jørgen and Nanna Ditzel and Illum Wikkelsø. While these designers are widely recognized, the fact that many of their iconic pieces were made in Willadsen’s workshop in Vejen is a lesser-known part of the story.

The chairs exhibit a design that reflects the refinement of 18th-century English-style dining chairs. Their signature closely mirrors the distinguished work of Danish designer Ole Wanscher, created for the esteemed Danish cabinetmaker Jacob Kjaer (1940). Additionally, the chairs bear a striking resemblance to the work of Danish designers Henning Helger and Egon Bro Petersen (1943).

The model features a slender profile with subtle, yet visually interesting detailing, such as the curved T-shaped backrest with upward-pointing corners. The outline is underscored by its patinated red leather. The framework is made from premium elmwood, assembled through exquisite wood joinery. The apertures in the backrest and base impart the piece with a light character, while still preserving its solid structure. A design that blends fine craftsmanship with a sophisticated sensibility in a harmonious way.

Kindly note that the pieces are in good, used condition with signs of age and use. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.