About
Lifespan: 1908–1995
Birthplace: Sørup, Vester Ulslev, Denmark
Manufacturer: Niels Vodder
Story
Mogens Voltelen (1908–1995) was a Danish architect and furniture designer who also worked extensively in lighting theory, education, and research. Early in his career he worked with Poul Henningsen and Vilhelm Lauritzen, and his association with Henningsen helped develop his lasting interest in lighting.
From 1927 to 1929 Voltelen worked on Kritisk Revy and remained active in architectural and cultural publishing. From 1940 to 1978 he taught lighting theory at the Royal Danish Academy’s School of Architecture, and from 1947 to 1951 he served as head of research at the Danish Building Research Institute.
His furniture is particularly associated with cabinetmaker Niels Vodder. Their chair experiments of the 1930s developed into the Copenhagen Chair. A later version made by Vodder was shown at the 1960 Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition, using broad leather straps threaded through the wooden frame.
History & Works
1908 (0 years old)
Born on May 16 in Sørup.
1927–1929
(ages 19–21)
Worked on Kritisk Revy.
1931 (23 years old)
Presented chair designs made by Niels Vodder.
1936 (28 years old)
Developed an easy chair with Niels Vodder in the line that became known as the Copenhagen Chair.
1940–1978
(ages 32–70)
Taught lighting theory at the Royal Danish Academy’s School of Architecture.
1947–1951
(ages 39–43)
Head of research at the Danish Building Research Institute.
1960 (52 years old)
A later Copenhagen Chair by Niels Vodder was shown at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition.
1995 (86 years old)
Died on March 12.
Furniture
References
Designmuseum Danmark, Furniture Index
Grete Jalk (ed.), Dansk Møbelkunst gennem 40 Aar
KLASSIK — “Mogens Voltelen”