Scandinavian Design 
7 November 2024
Scandinavian Design 
210

Børge Mogensen

Cabinet

Søborg Møbelfabrik
Denmark, c. 1953
teak 34½ h × 39⅜ w × 18½ d in (88 × 100 × 47 cm)
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $1,386
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Cabinet features four drawers. Stamped to reverse ‘Made in Denmark’.
provenance: Illums Bolighus, Copenhagen | Acquired from the previous in the 1960s, Estate of Ben and Elaine Adams | Thence by descent

This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.

This item is subject to CITES regulations. Rago Wright LLC. cannot provide the required documentation needed for export out of the United States; therefore, this item is only eligible for domestic shipping.
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My goal is to create things that will serve man and give him the lead role, instead of, by the force of the devil, adapt man to things.

Børge Mogensen

Timeless Designs

Works from the Collection of Elaine and Ben Adams

Elaine Adams pictured with one of her Jaguar E-Types, c. 1963. Image courtesy of the seller.

Elaine Adams and her husband, Retired Lieutenant Colonel (USMC) Ben Adams, were passionate Jaguar enthusiasts—so much so that their first of four Jaguar E-Types was purchased brand new in 1963 as Elaine’s “engagement ring.” Alongside their love for classic cars, the couple had a deep appreciation for Scandinavian design. In the mid-1960s, Elaine, a well-known travel agent based in San Diego, organized a trip to Copenhagen, where she personally selected exquisite furniture from Illums Bolighus, the renowned Danish design store. The couple had the beautiful Scandinavian pieces shipped back to their home, where they cherished them for decades. Wright is now pleased to offer these timeless designs to the market for the first time since their purchase over sixty years ago.

Børge Mogensen 1914–1972

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One of the most productive and influential Danish designers of the mid-20th century, Børge Mogensen became best known for his functional designs. His work is characterized by simple lines, modest proportions, and clarity of design. His high quality craftsmanship remains approachable and attainable. He began his training as a cabinetmaker in 1934 then studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts before enrolling at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture where he graduated in 1941. Mogensen was a student and teaching assistant of Kaare Klint later working in the designer’s studio in Copenhagen. In 1948, he participated in the Museum of Modern Art, New York’s Low-Cost Furniture exhibition with friend, Hans J. Wegner and frequently exhibited his furniture designs at the Copenhagen Cabinetmaker’s Guild Exhibitions as well.

Auction Results Børge Mogensen

Børge Mogensen

Hunting chairs, pair

estimate: $10,000–15,000

result: $27,500

Børge Mogensen

Hunting chairs, pair

estimate: $10,000–15,000

result: $22,680

Børge Mogensen

cabinets, pair

estimate: $3,000–5,000

result: $18,750

Børge Mogensen

Hunting chair

estimate: $7,000–9,000

result: $17,500

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