Story
The A.J. Iversen workshop was one of the defining cabinetmaking firms of twentieth-century Danish furniture. Through meticulous craftsmanship and close collaboration with designers, it played an important role in the formation of Danish Modern. Founder Andreas Jeppe Iversen (1888–1979), born into a fishing family, chose cabinetmaking as his profession and established his workshop in Copenhagen. His uncompromising approach to quality and his willingness to work closely with architects and designers with strong artistic visions earned the workshop recognition in Denmark and abroad.
The workshop was more than a production facility; it also had cultural and professional influence. From the 1930s through the 1960s, it was a major participant in the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibitions, presenting numerous innovative works. Its long collaboration with Ole Wanscher was especially significant, embodying a design philosophy that reinterpreted historical forms through a modern sensibility.
Fine woods such as mahogany and rosewood were frequently used, and the precision of construction and quality of finish reached an exceptional level. The workshop also supported apprentice education and participated actively in guild administration, contributing to the standing of Danish cabinetmakers as a profession. Although the workshop closed in 1985, its legacy continues to be highly regarded in museum collections and the international auction market.
About
Year: 1916–1985
President: Andreas Jeppe Iversen, Gunnar Iversen
Designer: Ole Wanscher, Flemming Lassen, Mogens Lassen, Kai Gottlob, Viggo Boesen
Place: Copenhagen
History
1888: Andreas Jeppe Iversen is born in Sønder Bjert.
1906: Begins an apprenticeship at A.L. Johansen & Søn in Kolding.
1909: Receives a silver medal for his apprenticeship graduation piece.
1916: Establishes the A.J. Iversen workshop in Copenhagen.
1925: Exhibits at the Paris Exposition and receives an honorary award for furniture designed by Kai Gottlob.
1927: Participates in the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition for the first time.
1930: Becomes chairman of the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition committee, serving until 1934.
1935: Presents Flemming Lassen’s “Husar” easy chair.
1937: Produces and exhibits a sofa by Kai Gottlob.
1940: Produces Mogens Lassen’s Egyptian Coffee Table.
1941: Publishes a commemorative volume marking the workshop’s 25th anniversary.
1949: Presents a set of armchairs by Ole Wanscher.
1950: His son Gunnar Iversen becomes a co-owner.
1951: Becomes chairman of the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild, serving until 1961.
1954: Receives the Golden Plane award from the Oslo Cabinetmakers’ Guild.
1957: Produces and presents Ole Wanscher’s Egyptian Stool.
1958: Produces Ole Wanscher’s J2883 Armchair.
1959: Produces a mahogany desk by Ole Wanscher.
1960: Produces a three-seat sofa by Ole Wanscher.
1961: Produces an armchair from Ole Wanscher’s later period.
1968: Receives a gold medal for distinguished service from the Danish Crafts Council.
1979: Founder Andreas Jeppe Iversen dies.
1985: The A.J. Iversen workshop closes.
Furniture
Egyptian Stool
T Chair
Dining Chair with lattice back
Three-seater Sofa
Mahogany Desk
Easy Chair “Husar”
Egyptian Coffee Table
Armchair J2883
Sideboard
Cabinet
Conference Table
Writing Desk
Imprint/Label
Many pieces carry a paper label marked “Snedkermester A.J. Iversen København.”