Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, Arne Hovmand-Olsen created furnishings that boasted all of the alluring qualities now associated with vintage Scandinavian modern design. The esteemed Danish designer favored high-quality teak, oak and rosewood for his sideboards, chairs and dining tables. Elsewhere, Hovmand-Olsen’s side tables and credenzas feature elegant organic curves and tapered legs, while his graceful armchairs and dining chairs are characterized by slender frames and sculptural seat backs.
From an early age Hovmand-Olsen showed an interest in drawing and an aptitude for design. In 1938, he began his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker under Peder Olsen Sibast, the founder of Sibast furniture company. Owing largely to the creative direction of Peder’s son, designer Helge Sibast, during the mid-century era, the manufacturer is internationally revered today for its wide range of sleek and collectible modern furniture.
In 1941, Hovmand-Olsen enrolled in a technical school to study furniture design, and opened his own workshop shortly after graduating. He created a range of furnishings for such notable manufacturers as Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Elven Geertsen and Jutex. He found success in Denmark, but attained even greater notability when he began selling his work in America.
Mid-century-era design from this region of the world — including objects like Arne Jacobsen’s Egg chair, Alvar Aalto’s undulating Savoy vase and Tapio Wirkkala’s leaf-shaped birch-laminate tray — took off in the States after the Second World War, when Scandinavia’s simple, curvilinear wooden furniture, home goods and textiles suddenly seemed the perfect foil for glass-and-steel skyscrapers.
Hovmand-Olsen closed his workshop during the 1970s. Today his work is widely collected by enthusiasts of mid-century Scandinavian modern furniture.
Find vintage Arne Hovmand-Olsen seating, tables, storage pieces and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Vintage Danish Grandfather Clock by Knuba
Located in London, GB
A magnificent and extremely rare vintage Danish grandfather clock by Knuba. This was made in Denmark and dates from around the 1960’s. The design is quite extraordinary, with an inc...
Wood
Howard Miller George Nelson Grandfather Clock Model 677
By Howard Miller
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A newer sophisticated take on the grandfather clock with the case in smoked Lucite defining the outline of the clock. The face has a brushed aluminum face with mod hands in red and w...
Chrome
$3,340
H 82 in W 24 in D 14 in
Vintage Howard Miller “Marston” Oak and Elm Burl Grandfather Clock, circa 1980s
By Howard Miller
Located in Omaha, NE
An elegant expression of traditional American clockmaking, this Howard Miller “Marston” grandfather clock pairs a richly finished oak cabinet with decorative Carpathian elm burl acce...
Brass
Antique Oak and Mahogany Grandfather Clock by W Prior, Skipton
Located in Suffolk, GB
An antique oak and mahogany grandfather clock by W Prior, Skipton with a swan-neck pediment and an attractively decorative arched painted dial with a date and seconds dial. It has a ...
Mahogany
$628
H 5.71 in W 10.24 in D 2.96 in
Vintage Modernist Wooden Teak Metal Table Clock by Zentra, Germany 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Table clock Origin: Germany Producer: Zentra, Germany Age: 1970s This original wooden table clock w...
Metal
$4,103
H 87.01 in W 19.69 in D 9.06 in
Antique 19th Century Oak and Mahogany Grandfather Clock by W Prior, Skipton
Located in Suffolk, GB
An antique oak and mahogany grandfather clock by W Prior, Skipton with a swan-neck pediment and an attractively decorative arched painted dial with a date and seconds dial. It has a ...
Other
$3,240
H 83.5 in W 27 in D 13 in
Howard Miller “Eternity II” Curio Grandfather Clock, Oak, Circa 1980s
Located in Omaha, NE
A refined example of late 20th-century American horology, this Howard Miller “Eternity II” curio grandfather clock (Model 610-683) blends precision timekeeping with architectural dis...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Howard Miller Floor Clock
By Howard Miller
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern Howard Miller floor clock. Black lacquer with half round chrome trim. Wood paneled front. Chimes need adjustment does not ...
Chrome
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 87.75 in W 19 in D 111.25 in
Antique Ithaca Clock Co. Tall Case Walnut Grandfather Clock C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Ithaca Clock Co. Tall Case Walnut Grandfather Clock C1920 Measures - 87 3/4" x 19" x 1...
Wood
Arne Hovmand Olsen Tambour Corner Unit in Teak
By Skovmand and Andersen, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Arne Hovmand Olsen Manufacturer: Skovmand & Andersen Era: 1950s Materials: Teak Measurements: 37" wide x 21.75" deep x 61" tall
Teak
Conical Danish Bookshelf in solid Teak 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Conical shaped Danish book shelf 1960s in solid teak. Very good quality, in solid teak. Denmark 1960s.
Teak
Danish Freestanding Teak Shelf System 1950s with Cabinets
Located in Handewitt, DE
Danish freestanding and conical shaped teak shelf system with cabinets, bar, shelfes and double chest of drawers. With nice teak color and in origina...
Teak
Danish Freestanding Teak Shelf System 1950s with Cabinets
Located in Handewitt, DE
Danish freestanding and conical shaped teak shelf system with cabinets, bar, shelfes and double chest of drawers. With nice teak color and in origina...
Teak
Rare Danish Bar Cabinet with Leather Parts 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Rare Danish bar cabinet with leather handles and leather door panels. Consists of a base cabinet with top. Can also be placed separately. The ...
Leather, Wood
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Secretary Desk 1960s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Secretary desk / cabinet, designed in 1950s by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Denmark. Made in fine walnut early 1960s. Front with three drawers and a writing flap. Behind the...
Wood
Arne Vodder for Sibast Dresser Chest in Teak 1960s
By Arne Vodder
Located in Handewitt, DE
Chest of drawer in teak, esigned by Arne Vodder for Sibast Furniture Denmark. In front with 6 drawers and convex handles. Denmark 1960s.
Teak
