Story
France & Daverkosen emerged as one of the driving forces behind mid-20th-century Danish furniture manufacturing, later evolving into France & Søn and ultimately CADO. Its trajectory reflects the broader transformation of Danish design—from traditional craftsmanship to industrialized production, and from local manufacturing to global export success.
Founded in 1936 through the partnership of British entrepreneur Charles W. F. France and cabinetmaker Eric Daverkosen, the company initially produced mattresses. After World War II, in response to new international demand, the firm shifted decisively toward furniture production. This transition positioned the company as a major contributor to Denmark’s postwar design industry.
One of the company’s most important innovations was the industrial production of teak furniture combined with a knock-down (flat-pack) construction system. Finn Juhl’s Spade Chair (Model 133) marked a milestone as the world’s first mass-produced teak chair. This achievement not only elevated teak as a hallmark of Danish Modern but also reshaped the visual vocabulary of international furniture design.
During the 1950s and 60s, France & Søn collaborated with a remarkable roster of designers—Finn Juhl, Ole Wanscher, Arne Vodder, Grete Jalk, Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, and others. Their furniture became deeply embedded in American, German, and British markets, where exports from the company accounted for approximately 60% of all Danish furniture exports by 1954. The brand came to symbolize Danish craftsmanship, modern form, and industrial efficiency.
The company’s next transformation occurred when Poul Cadovius acquired the firm and reorganized it under the name CADO. This era introduced more experimental and avant-garde designs, signaling a new chapter in Scandinavian modernism. Although furniture production ceased by the late 1970s, the legacy of France & Daverkosen—France & Søn—CADO remains a condensed history of Danish Modern’s rise, evolution, and international resonance. Today, the company’s vintage furniture is still highly prized for its quality, modular construction, and timeless aesthetic.
About
Year: 1936 – Late 1970s
President: Charles W. F. France, James France
Designer: Finn Juhl, Ole Wanscher, Grete Jalk, Arne Vodder, Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Poul Cadovius
Place: Hillerød
History
1936: Charles W. F. France and Eric Daverkosen establish a mattress-manufacturing company.
1937: Co-founder Daverkosen dies unexpectedly; France continues operations.
1940: During World War II, Charles France is detained in a German internment camp.
1945: He returns to Denmark after the war with new ideas for furniture manufacturing.
1948: The company shifts from mattresses to furniture, marking the birth of France & Daverkosen as a furniture maker.
1950: Early teak furniture is introduced, initiating the company’s export activity.
1952: A modern factory opens in Hillerød, enabling large-scale industrial production.
1953: Collaboration with Finn Juhl begins; the iconic Spade Chair (Model 133) is released.
1954: The company produces roughly 60% of all Danish furniture exports.
1955: Exports expand into the American market via John Stuart Inc.
1956: Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen design the Minerva Series.
1957: The company is renamed France & Søn; James France joins the management team.
1958: Ole Wanscher’s Senator Series enters production.
1960: Collaborations broaden to include Arne Vodder and Grete Jalk.
1962: The Diplomat Series is introduced for governmental and diplomatic interiors.
1964: Acquisition negotiations begin with Poul Cadovius.
1965: Works by Sigvard Bernadotte are produced.
1966: The company begins outreach to avant-garde designers such as Verner Panton.
1967: Acquisition by Poul Cadovius is completed; company renamed CADO.
1968: CADO releases new works by Verner Panton.
1970: Collaboration with Steen Østergaard introduces plastic materials into production.
1973: Competition intensifies in the international furniture market.
1975: The rise of postmodern interiors weakens international demand for Danish Modern.
1977: Production scales down at the Hillerød factory.
1979: CADO ceases furniture production, ending more than forty years of activity.
Furniture
• Spadestolen Model 133 | Spade Chair
• Lounge Chair Model 136
• Japan Series Sofa
• Bwana Lounge Chair
• Diplomat Series
• Senator Series FD-109 / FD-110
• Minerva Series
• Boomerang Chair FD-134 / FD-135
• Pinwheel Table 523
• Sideboard Series (Arne Vodder, Grete Jalk designs)
Imprint/Label
• Early 1950s: FD burn marks or circular medallions were used.
• c. 1957: Following the name change to France & Søn, a new metal badge was introduced.
• 1960s: Stamps featuring Charles W. France’s signature and metallic foil labels appear.
• Export models often carry additional John Stuart Inc. labels.
• CADO era: Branded CADO labels and burn marks are applied, continuing a visual lineage from the France & Søn period.