Arne Vodder

Arne Vodder was one of the most influential Danish architects and designers in the Modern era. He was trained by his friend and mentor, the legendary Finn Juhl, who later also became his business partner.

It all started in the mid-1940s when Arne Vodder started as a cabinetmaker and was trained by Niels Vodder. Vodder then went on to study architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen.

In 1951, Arne Vodder started an architect studio together with Anton Borg. They designed over 1,000 low-cost houses, which turned out to be a great success.

From the 1950s Vodder worked with a furniture company called Sibast on a range of office furniture, which gave him enormous success in the American market. His furniture even captured the Pope of Rome and President Jimmy Carter’s attention and in the 1960s it made its way to the White House. Vodder’s furniture is also to be found in airports, embassies, boardrooms, and banks across the world.

The material used by Vodder is typically rosewood and teak and he became known for his simple and modest designs with organic forms free from sharp edges. In fact, one of his most noticed pieces is a sideboard where the drawers are shaped to avoid the need for handles.

Although Vodder’s design are known for its timelessness and originality, he is perhaps less known than other Danish architects and designers such as Bøge Mogensen, Hans J. Wegner and Arne Jacobsen.

During Vodder’s career, he worked with several respected furniture manufacturers such as Fritz Hansen, Erik Jørgensen, Cadovius and as previously mentioned Sibast.

Around 2005 the interest in Arne Vodder’s timeless designs rose again, which resulted in new production of a limited edition by Gjesten Maskinsnedkeri and PJ Furniture. Today various classic designs are produced by Erik Jørgensen, Kirkoda, Nielaus and Snedkergaarden.

Continue reading about other designers here