Fredericia


Story

Fredericia was founded in 1911 in the Danish city of Fredericia under the name “Fredericia Stolefabrik.” From the outset, the company became known for its exceptional craftsmanship and upholstery expertise, supplying classically styled furniture of high quality to both domestic and international markets. Founder Niels Peder Ravnsø established a philosophy that emphasized the fusion of premium materials and skilled artisanship—an ethos that would lay the foundation for the brand’s long-term identity.

A turning point came in 1955, when Andreas Graversen took over the company and appointed Børge Mogensen as Fredericia’s first house designer. Mogensen’s guiding ideal of “democratic design” resulted in iconic pieces such as the Spanish Chair and the J39 Mogensen Chair. His work elevated Fredericia into a central symbol of Danish Modern design, establishing a legacy that would define the company’s global reputation.

From the 1970s onward, Fredericia expanded collaborations with distinguished designers including Nanna Ditzel and Hans J. Wegner. The introduction of the Trinidad Chair in 1993—an award-winning design—marked a new direction that combined innovation with functional usability. Entering the 21st century, the brand further expanded its contemporary collection through partnerships with leading international designers such as Cecilie Manz, Jasper Morrison, and Space Copenhagen.

In 2020, Fredericia acquired Erik Jørgensen Møbelfabrik, integrating the company’s upholstery expertise and sofa collection. The following year, Fredericia achieved B Corp certification, embedding sustainability and social responsibility at the core of its business strategy. Still led by the Graversen family today, Fredericia continues to produce timeless furniture guided by its three pillars: craftsmanship, heritage, and sustainability.


About

Year: 1911–Present
President: Thomas Graversen
Designer: Børge Mogensen, Hans J. Wegner, Nanna Ditzel, Cecilie Manz, Jasper Morrison, and others
Place: Fredericia, Denmark


History

1911: Niels Peder Ravnsø establishes Fredericia Stolefabrik in Fredericia.
1913: The Scandinavian Furniture Fair is held in Fredericia, bringing attention to the company’s work.
1930: Fredericia gains recognition for high-end traditional furniture and advanced upholstery techniques.
1936: Upon the founder’s passing, the Ravnsø family continues company operations.
1940: Production for the domestic market continues despite World War II.
1950: Postwar production strengthens the company’s classic furniture offerings.
1955: Andreas Graversen acquires the company and appoints Børge Mogensen as house designer.
1955: Introduction of the No.1 Sofa, the company’s first modern sofa, earning critical acclaim.
1956: Release of Chair Model 3236, later adopted in public institutions.
1958: Launch of the Spanish Chair, an iconic lounge chair crafted from oak and saddle leather.
1962: Introduction of the Mogensen 2212 and 2213 Sofas, later used in embassies and executive offices.
1963: Introduction of the Mogensen 2207 Easy Chair, a Nordic interpretation of the club-chair typology.
1971: Graversen and Mogensen receive the Danish Furniture Prize.
1972: Following Mogensen’s passing, his design direction is carried forward by Peter Mogensen and others.
1980: Reorganization of the product line and expansion of reissue projects.
1989: Reintroduction of Hans J. Wegner’s Ox Chair.
1989: Nanna Ditzel designs the Bench for Two.
1993: Introduction of the Trinidad Chair, recipient of international design awards.
1995: Thomas Graversen becomes president and strengthens partnerships with global designers.
1998: Hans Sandgren Jakobsen introduces the award-winning Gallery Stool.
2002: Thomas Pedersen introduces the Stingray Rocking Chair.
2004: Cecilie Manz introduces the Micado Table, achieving notable recognition.
2010: Shin Azumi introduces the NARA Chair and NARA Table.
2011: Space Copenhagen introduces the Spine series.
2013: Hee Welling & Gudmundur Ludvik introduce the Pato Chair series.
2015: Monica Förster introduces the Savannah Sofa & Chair.
2016: Jasper Morrison introduces the Taro Table and the Pon Table.
2016: Space Copenhagen introduces the Swoon Lounge Chair.
2019: Hugo Passos introduces the Calmo Sofa.
2020: Acquisition of Erik Jørgensen Møbelfabrik, integrating upholstery expertise and sofa collections.
2021: Fredericia obtains B Corp certification, reinforcing environmental and social commitments.
2022: Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby introduce the Plan Collection.
2023: Maria Bruun introduces the Pioneer Stool.
2023: Damian Williamson introduces the Nami Sofa.


Furniture

・J39 Mogensen Chair
・The Spanish Chair
・The Hunting Chair
・No.1 Sofa
・Mogensen 2212 Sofa
・Mogensen 2213 Sofa
・Mogensen 2207 Easy Chair
・Wegner Ox Chair
・Wegner Queen Chair
・Trinidad Chair
・Bench for Two
・Gallery Stool
・Stingray Rocking Chair
・Micado Table
・NARA Chair
・NARA Table
・Spine Lounge Suite Chair
・Swoon Lounge Chair
・Pato Chair Series
・Savannah Sofa & Chair
・Taro Table
・Pon Table
・Calmo Sofa
・Pioneer Stool
・Nami Sofa
・Plan Collection

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