Early Jørgen and Nanna Ditzel for Søren Willadsen 'Vita' Sofa in Solid Oak

Jørgen and Nanna Ditzel for Søren Willadsen , sofa, model '83', solid oak, fabric, Vejen, Denmark, 1951

This sofa is an early production example of model '83', designed by Jørgen and Nanna Ditzel in 1951 and manufactured by Søren Willadsen in Vejen, Denmark. The design reflects the couple's early exploration of furniture in which the supporting structure and upholstered elements were conceived as distinct yet complementary components. The solid oak frame remains deliberately exposed, with slender vertical supports carrying the gently curved, upholstered backrest and armrests. This separation lends the sofa a remarkably light and open appearance, despite its generous proportions.

The sofa reflects the constructional principles pioneered by Finn Juhl, whose work had a significant influence on the Ditzels during their formative years. Like Juhl, the couple explored the separation between the load-bearing wooden structure and the upholstered elements it supports. In model '83', this principle finds a distinctive expression through the slender oak framework and the continuous, gently curved backrest.


Kindly note that the fabric is in good, used condition with some signs of age and use. Your special requests regarding reupholstery and finishing can be realized by the experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration and upholstery atelier.