Ib Kofod-Larsen (1921—2003)
was a Danish architect-designer. Educated at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in
Copenhagen, his designs in the 1950s were well received in Denmark.
In 1955, Kofod-Larsen was
invited to show his works at the Good Design exhibit at the Merchandise Mart in
Chicago. His modernist organic style was prized for the quality woods and
clean lines. Everything was planed, rubbed, and polished by hand.
Kofod-Larsen’s designs
began making an impact in England in the 1960s. Thanks to manufacturer E. Gomme
Limited’s G-Plan line of furniture, Kofod-Larsen became the most sought after
designer at G-Plan.[1]
His lounge chairs were
advertised as “the answer to the open [floor] plan—chairs that stand away from
the wall” and look “beautiful from any angle” (see ad). As modern architect
Isay Weinfeld states, “If you have wonderful chairs, the sofa shouldn’t fight
with them. Let the chairs be the stars.”[2]
Sloane ad in the New
York Times, 15 June 1958, pg. 69
I think the folks in Sloane’s
ad department were confused on his first name. This is only place I’ve ever
seen it listed as “I. B.” rather than “Ib” which is the Danish diminutive of
Jakob.[3]
Kofod-Larsen also had a
great deal of success with his minimalist designs for Faarup Mobelfabrik, his
sideboards being among the most popular.
Kofod-Larsen pieces are
somewhat rare since they were hi-end and rather expensive in their day
($150.00 in 1958 had the same buying power as $1,212.68
in 2013), and
identifying a Kofod-Larsen can be tricky. There are several Danish and American
designers with similarly styled lounge chairs.
Kofod-Larsen is among other
influential Danish designers like Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Grete Jalk, Milo
Baughman, and Arne Vodder who have made their mark on Mid-Century Modern
design.
