Design story
Eilersen Lotus sofa designed by Niels Bendtsen for Niels Eilersen, Denmark, circa 1970. The sofa features a fully upholstered body and cushions in stunning red leather. The fold-over side cushions and back cushions are attached to the body and the pair of seat cushions are loose. The piece retains the original leather upholstery and Eilersen lining fabric. Marked with N. Eilersen stamp on underside.
Niels Bendtsen is born in Denmark and his family immigrated to Canada in 1951. In place of a formal design education, he trained as an apprentice for his father, who designed and built Scandinavain furniture. Through working with his father, Bendtsen gained valuable skills and a respect for non-industrial, hand-built traditions, but he was also intrigued by new technologies and ways to satisfy incresing demand. Between 1963 and 1972, Bendtsen had his own retail store where he sold his father’s furniture, as well as imported Scandinavian designs. He designed small items for the store, but it wasn’t until he was in his early thirties that he truly began designing furniture. Dissatisfied with the quality and limited functionality of the furniture he received from his overseas manufacturers, Bendtsen sold his store, moved to Europe and became a full time designer.
The story behind Eilersen furniture dates back to 1895 when the young Niels Eilersen started out as a coachbuilder (which is also the reason for the logo being a horse carriage). Apparently Eilersen was the first person in Denmark to use steam to bend wood. A technique he used to make the wheels for the coaches.
When cars eventually ran horse-drawn carriages off the road, Eilersen started making handmade bodies for cars and busses. For over 100 years, Eilersen has been known for only using the best material with a proud tradition for classic craftsmanship.
We recommend the Andersen coffee table with the Eilersen Lotus sofa.
