Model 5531 Armchair in Textile Webbing & Beech Plywood by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen, 1970s

Model · 5531 Armchair
Designers · Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sørensen
Manufacturer · Magnus Olesen
Origin · Denmark
Period · 1970s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Danish Modern
Materials · Beech plywood, textile webbing
Colour · Natural beech, black

Object

The Model 5531 is a particularly clear expression of Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen's experiments with laminated wood, repetition and lightweight construction.

Developed during the designers' early collaboration with Magnus Olesen, the chair reduces the traditional upholstered armchair to two essential systems. A sculptural laminated beech structure provides the architecture, while interwoven textile belts stretch across it to form the seat and backrest.

The contrast between these elements gives the 5531 its distinctive character. The plywood frame is continuous and precisely curved, while the black webbing introduces rhythm, flexibility and transparency. Comfort is achieved through tension rather than conventional padding.

Seen from the side, the construction becomes particularly expressive. The armrests, legs and supporting frame read almost as a single flowing line, demonstrating how effectively laminated plywood could be used to create complex forms from relatively little material.

As a set of three, the repeated profiles and woven surfaces create a strong architectural composition. The chairs remain restrained individually, but together reveal the systematic thinking that characterised Thygesen and Sørensen's work during this period.

Designers

Rud Thygesen (1932–2019) and Johnny Sørensen (born 1944) were an important Danish design partnership whose work explored industrial production while remaining closely connected to the traditions of Scandinavian furniture.

Both graduated from the Danish School of Arts, Crafts and Design in 1966 and established their own studio that same year. Their collaboration with Magnus Olesen had already begun while they were still studying and would become central to their careers.

During the early 1970s, Thygesen and Sørensen developed a series of laminated furniture for Magnus Olesen. The collection was conceived around a coherent technological and aesthetic system, using repeated components, precise curves and efficient production methods to create furniture with a remarkably consistent visual language.

The Model 5531 belongs directly to this investigation, combining the structural possibilities of laminated wood with a flexible woven seating surface.

Manufacturer

Magnus Olesen was founded in Denmark in 1937 and developed around a strong tradition of Danish furniture craftsmanship.

The company's collaboration with Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen became particularly significant during the late 1960s and 1970s. Together they explored how modern manufacturing techniques could be reconciled with the material quality and functional clarity associated with Danish design.

Their laminated furniture series became an important part of Magnus Olesen's production, demonstrating how technically rational construction could also produce furniture with a distinctive architectural identity.

Condition

All three chairs retain their original beech plywood structures and original textile webbing.

The transparent lacquered frames remain in good vintage condition, preserving the natural tone and visible grain of the wood. Small traces of age and use are present across the surfaces.

The original black woven seating remains well preserved and functional, with natural signs of use consistent with the age of the pieces.

Overall, the set is presented in good original vintage condition.

Dimensions

Width · 61 cm / 24 in
Depth · 74 cm / 29 in
Height · 78 cm / 30.7 in
Seat height · 43 cm / 17 in

Included

The set of three Model 5531 Armchairs is accompanied by a Back to the Furniture Certificate of Originality, a Back to the Furniture flyer, a Thank You card and a small gift.

Availability

The set is ready to ship within 5 business days.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available. Every piece is carefully prepared and packed for international transport. Shipping costs are calculated according to destination at checkout, with tracking provided after dispatch.

Enquiries

For questions about the pieces, their condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

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