About
Lifespan: 1897–1972
Birthplace: Cathcart, Scotland
Company: France & Daverkosen / France & Søn
Story
C. W. F. France (Charles William Fearnley France, 1897–1972) was a British businessman associated with the industrialisation and international expansion of postwar Danish furniture through France & Daverkosen and later France & Søn. In 1936 he entered a partnership with Danish cabinetmaker Eric Daverkosen; the business initially produced mattresses.
During the Second World War, France was detained because of his British nationality. After the war the company moved decisively into furniture production, and in 1952 established a large factory in Hillerød. France & Daverkosen became known for industrially produced teak furniture and knock-down construction designed to improve export efficiency.
When his son James France joined the business in 1957, the company was renamed France & Søn. It manufactured furniture by designers including Finn Juhl, Ole Wanscher, Grete Jalk, Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, and Arne Vodder, helping bring Danish modern furniture to international markets. The company was sold to Poul Cadovius in 1966 and later continued under CADO.
History & Works
1897 (age 0)
Born in Cathcart, Scotland.
1936
Established France & Daverkosen in Denmark with Eric Daverkosen, initially producing mattresses.
1937
Eric Daverkosen died; France continued the business.
1940–1945
Detained during the German occupation because of his British nationality and held in a camp in Germany.
1952
Established a large furniture factory in Hillerød and expanded industrial furniture production.
1957
James France joined the business and the company was renamed France & Søn.
1950s–1960s
Produced furniture by Finn Juhl, Ole Wanscher, Grete Jalk, Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Arne Vodder, and others.
1966
Sold the company to Poul Cadovius; it later continued under CADO.
1972
Died.
Furniture
FD109 Senator Chair / Ole Wanscher
Model 209 Diplomat Chair / Finn Juhl
Bwana Chair / Finn Juhl
FD164 Armchair / Arne Vodder
Minerva Sofa / Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Model 523 Pinwheel Table / Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen