Carl Heinz Brockmann Petersen for Louis G. Thiersen Rare Geometric Armchairs
Carl Heinz Brockmann Petersen for Louis G. Thiersen & Son, lounge chairs, Oregon pine, leather, brass, Denmark, 1963
These exceptionally rare chairs, designed by Danish furniture architect Carl Heinz Brockmann Petersen and crafted by cabinetmaker Louis G. Thiersen, were originally made for, and featured in, the 1963 Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition. With in all likelihood no other known examples in existence, these chairs offer a rare window into the experimental energy of mid-century Danish design at its most refined and unconventional. The framework is constructed from Oregon pine – straight-grained, warm, and resilient. The square outer frame is crisp and minimal, yet it houses an unexpectedly curvaceous core: a continuous arc of cognac leather wrapping around the sitter in a semi-enclosed embrace. The backrest, seat, and arms form a cohesive visual language that blurs the line between supportive furniture and minimalist sculpture. The seat itself is suspended within the wooden structure, appearing almost to float. This visual lightness is a clever counterbalance to the chair's substantial materials and grounded stance. The chair’s asymmetrical weight – anchored but light, strong but supple – evokes a quiet intelligence, typical of the best Scandinavian modernism.
Biography
Carl Heinz Brockmann Petersen (1914–1972) was a Danish furniture architect, who, initially trained as a carpenter demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship early on. Petersen began his formal education at the Technical School in Aarhus and later continued his studies at the Technological Institute in Copenhagen. Seeking broader architectural knowledge, he traveled to Germany to complete his architectural training. Upon returning to Denmark in 1934, he joined the studio of architect N.D. Jørgensen, where he worked until 1942. That same year, he founded his own firm, Brockmann-Petersen, marking the beginning of a highly productive independent practice. Petersen quickly earned a reputation within both national and international design circles. His work was regularly exhibited and awarded at prestigious events, including the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibitions. By 1953, he had received first prize for "individual work" at the guild’s exhibition. This was his tenth time receiving a prize here – a rare accomplishment, particularly for a designer based outside the capital.
His collaborations extended beyond Danish borders, including joint exhibitions with notable names such as Georg Jensen in Hamburg and Gothenburg. Later, his company expanded into international markets, exporting furniture to the United States and the Netherlands. Stylistically, Petersen was known for his willingness to challenge conventions. He was not bound by dominant trends and often explored new stylistic directions, yet his designs never sacrificed usability. At the core of his practice was a belief in the integrity of function – his furniture was built not only to be seen, but to be lived with. Though not as widely recognized today as some of his contemporaries, Petersen's contributions remain significant. His work reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship, material honesty, and formal innovation, embodying many of the principles that define Danish modern design.
Kindly note that the price listed is per chair.
These exceptionally rare chairs, designed by Danish furniture architect Carl Heinz Brockmann Petersen and crafted by cabinetmaker Louis G. Thiersen, were originally made for, and featured in, the 1963 Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition. With in all likelihood no other known examples in existence, these chairs offer a rare window into the experimental energy of mid-century Danish design at its most refined and unconventional. The framework is constructed from Oregon pine – straight-grained, warm, and resilient. The square outer frame is crisp and minimal, yet it houses an unexpectedly curvaceous core: a continuous arc of cognac leather wrapping around the sitter in a semi-enclosed embrace. The backrest, seat, and arms form a cohesive visual language that blurs the line between supportive furniture and minimalist sculpture. The seat itself is suspended within the wooden structure, appearing almost to float. This visual lightness is a clever counterbalance to the chair's substantial materials and grounded stance. The chair’s asymmetrical weight – anchored but light, strong but supple – evokes a quiet intelligence, typical of the best Scandinavian modernism.
Biography
Carl Heinz Brockmann Petersen (1914–1972) was a Danish furniture architect, who, initially trained as a carpenter demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship early on. Petersen began his formal education at the Technical School in Aarhus and later continued his studies at the Technological Institute in Copenhagen. Seeking broader architectural knowledge, he traveled to Germany to complete his architectural training. Upon returning to Denmark in 1934, he joined the studio of architect N.D. Jørgensen, where he worked until 1942. That same year, he founded his own firm, Brockmann-Petersen, marking the beginning of a highly productive independent practice. Petersen quickly earned a reputation within both national and international design circles. His work was regularly exhibited and awarded at prestigious events, including the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibitions. By 1953, he had received first prize for "individual work" at the guild’s exhibition. This was his tenth time receiving a prize here – a rare accomplishment, particularly for a designer based outside the capital.
His collaborations extended beyond Danish borders, including joint exhibitions with notable names such as Georg Jensen in Hamburg and Gothenburg. Later, his company expanded into international markets, exporting furniture to the United States and the Netherlands. Stylistically, Petersen was known for his willingness to challenge conventions. He was not bound by dominant trends and often explored new stylistic directions, yet his designs never sacrificed usability. At the core of his practice was a belief in the integrity of function – his furniture was built not only to be seen, but to be lived with. Though not as widely recognized today as some of his contemporaries, Petersen's contributions remain significant. His work reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship, material honesty, and formal innovation, embodying many of the principles that define Danish modern design.
Kindly note that the price listed is per chair.
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Carl Heinz Brockmann Petersen for Louis G. Thiersen Rare Geometric Armchairs
Sale price$18,400.00
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