About
Lifespan: 1937–2017
Birthplace: Denmark (city not confirmed)
Manufacturers: Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, Schiang, Søborg Møbelfabrik, Carl Hansen & Søn
Story
Bernt Petersen (1937–2017) was a Danish furniture designer and architect. After training as a cabinetmaker, he studied at Kunsthåndværkerskolen in Copenhagen and graduated in 1960. He subsequently worked with the magazine Mobilia and gained experience in Hans J. Wegner’s studio before establishing his own design office in 1963.
His furniture is characterised by restrained construction, careful proportions, and frequent use of light woods such as ash and beech. Petersen worked across both craft-based and industrial production, and his furniture was used in theatres, concert halls, and other public interiors. He collaborated with manufacturers including Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, Schiang, Søborg Møbelfabrik, and Carl Hansen & Søn.
An early stool, made by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, is known for its slender legs and woven cane seat. In the mid-1960s Petersen designed the Rag Chair (Kludestolen) for Schiang, and in 1982 he designed the Crate Chair for Carl Hansen & Søn. He also taught at the Danish Design School from 1973 to 1978 and at the Royal Danish Academy’s furniture department from 1978 to 1985.
History & Works
1937 (age 0)
Born on 11 January in Denmark.
1957 (age 20)
Completed his training as a cabinetmaker.
1958–1960
Designed a stool produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri. Sources record it either as a 1958 Cabinetmakers’ Guild exhibition piece or as work associated with his 1960 graduation.
1960 (age 23)
Graduated from Kunsthåndværkerskolen. He later worked with Mobilia and in Hans J. Wegner’s studio.
1963 (age 26)
Established his own design office.
1965–1966
Designed the Rag Chair (Kludestolen) for Schiang. Sources give either 1965 or 1966 for the design.
1973–1978
Taught at the Danish Design School.
1978–1985
Taught in the furniture department at the Royal Danish Academy.
1982 (age 45)
Designed the Crate Chair for Carl Hansen & Søn.
2017 (age 80)
Died on 6 March.
Furniture
References
Lex, Bernt.
Jackson Design, Bernt Petersen — Stool.
Phillips, Bernt Petersen — Stool.
Danish Homestore, Bernt Petersen — Rag Chair.
Strauss & Co, Bernt Petersen — Crate Chair.