1967 Jens Risom Attr. Mid-Century Modern Sofa + Chair Set

This 1967 set is a classic example of mid-century American-Danish modernism, attributed to Jens Risom – one of the pioneers of Danish design in America.

It has been fully refinished and reupholstered with all new foam and all new fabric. They are mounted in (as the origonal catalogue puts it) “sculptured wood cradles” of newly cleaned and oiled walnut. All joints have been tightened with no wobbles. The craftsmanship and joinery is excellent with seemingly no signs of wear or tear. The fabric is a durable upholstery grade boucle. The color is an orange/persimmons, fully saturated but balanced between not too bright and not too drab.

The set may have been designed to be
arranged as a modular/sectional unit by adding a side table between the two.
One could then add side tables on either end; configured in an L for a more traditional space or all in a line like a platform sofa for a more modern look.

MEASUREMENTS
Sofa: 67″w x 24″d x 34″h, seat height 19″
Chair: 23″w x 24″d x 34″h, seat height 19″

DESIGN RESEARCH
Towards the end of his time as a furniture designer in the late 60s, Jens Risom began to focus on office furniture. It is during this time that I believe this set was designed. It has the characteristic angle shift of the back piece and the slightly reclined position in the cradle frame that gives it that subtle, but distinct curve.

Research is still ongoing but it is in line with sofa models; U-250/U-251, U-220, U-201, U-290 (w/ matching chairs U-402, C-220, C-205), sectional units U-551, U-503, and the upholstered bench model U-620/U-621. *Note: It was reupholstered without the original row of tufted buttons and the thick boucle fabric makes the angle shift in the back more difficult to identify than with the tweeds or leathers more commonly used back then.