Folding Safari Chair in Cognac Leather & Solid Ash by Mogens Koch for Rud. Rasmussen, 1960s

Model · Folding Chair
Designer · Mogens Koch
Manufacturer · Rud. Rasmussen
Origin · Denmark
Period · 1960s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Mid-Century Modern
Materials · Solid ash, leather
Colour · Natural ash, cognac

Object

The Folding Chair begins with the idea that furniture does not have to stay where it is placed. Its wooden structure crosses, pivots and collapses. Leather is stretched between the frame rather than hiding it. Every joint remains visible, and almost every part has more than one purpose.

Mogens Koch designed the chair in 1932 while looking back at historical campaign furniture and the beautifully practical objects made for travel. But his interpretation feels less temporary than architectural. Open, folded or carried somewhere else, the chair remains a complete little system. In pale ash and cognac leather, practicality becomes something unexpectedly luxurious, not because anything has been added, but because almost everything unnecessary has disappeared.

Designer

Mogens Koch (1898–1992) was trained as an architect, and his furniture carries that discipline at every scale. He was interested in systems, dimensions and objects capable of adapting to the changing realities of everyday life rather than simply occupying space.

Working within the tradition established by Kaare Klint, Koch studied historical furniture as a source of accumulated intelligence. His Folding Chair captures this approach beautifully. An old typology developed for mobility was reconsidered through Danish craftsmanship until folding, carrying, sitting and structure became parts of the same idea. The result is furniture that feels rational without ever becoming mechanical.

Manufacturer

Rud. Rasmussen was founded in Copenhagen in 1869 and became one of the great cabinetmaking workshops of Danish furniture history. Its close relationship with architects and designers allowed experimental ideas to remain deeply connected to traditional craftsmanship and material knowledge.

The workshop produced some of Mogens Koch's most important furniture, including the Folding Chair. Its apparently simple construction demands precisely the kind of workmanship Rud. Rasmussen represented: carefully considered joints, beautifully finished timber and details intended to remain visible rather than disappear beneath upholstery.

Condition

The original solid ash frame remains beautifully preserved in excellent vintage condition, retaining the natural grain and character of the wood. The seating, backrest and armrests have been refreshed in cognac leather, restoring their strength and tactile quality while remaining faithful to the original construction. Subtle traces of age and previous use may remain as part of the chair's authentic vintage character.

Dimensions

Width · 56 cm / 22.0 in
Depth · 58 cm / 22.8 in
Height · 88 cm / 34.6 in
Seat height · 42 cm / 16.5 in

Included

The lounge chair 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 lounge chair can be ready to ship within 10-15 workdays.

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 piece, its condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

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