If you like Mid-century modern furniture and want to learn more about one of the most successful Danish furniture manufacturers in the 1950s and early 1960s, then this book is definitely a must read.
The chair on the cover of the book is designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard. The armchair was available with a woven rattan backrest (model FD147) or with an upholstered backrest (FD148).
This book tells the story of the Englishman C.W.F. France, director of France & Son*, who thanks to his smart ideas and management talent put his furniture company and indirectly Danish design on the international map in the 1950s.
The book provides an extensive overview of the designers (and their designs) that C.W.F. France got engaged to design attractive and high-quality furniture for his company. Mostly designers who belonged to the top of Danish design, such as Finn Juhl, Grete Jalk, Ole Wanscher and Hvidt & Mølgaard.
Also interesting is the fact that the book contains a reproduction of a catalog with suggested retail prices from 1961, which shows the full range at that time.
Finally, it should be noted that this book was expertly curated by James France, the son of the late Fearnley France, who was also active in the business but was unfortunately unable to continue the business due to disagreements with his father. His father sold the company in 1966 to the Dane Poul Cadovius, best known for his modular hanging wall units.
* In the beginning (circa 1948 to 1959) the company was known as France & Daverkosen. From 1959 on it was called France & Son.
France & Son
British Pioneer of Danish furniture
Author: James France
Published by: Forlaget VITA
First Published: 2015
ISBN: 978-87-998388-1-3