On a quiet residential street in Aalborg stands a classic 1894 estate with wide-plank pine floors, stucco ceilings, and traditional Danish cross windows. Here, collector Peter Rasmussen has surrounded himself with a carefully curated selection of sculptural, iconic pieces, gathered over the years.
His interest was sparked more than 25 years ago and has since grown into a passion – one where Finn Juhl, Hans J. Wegner, Poul Kjærholm, Arne Jacobsen, and other great names appear side by side with lesser-known designers.
“I like having things you don’t see everywhere else,” he says, pointing to the exclusive Glove Cabinet and Pelican Table as some of his first acquisitions.
Today, Peter’s collection also includes a Chieftain Chair with matching Chieftain Stool, a Pelican Chair, and two Hulsø Shelves – pieces that all testify to Finn Juhl’s experimental design language. For Peter, quality and provenance are essential, and he prioritizes craftsmanship and history.
In addition to the furniture, he has built up an extensive collection of magazines, booklets, and journals from the mid-20th century, in which Finn Juhl and other leading designers appear. This is where he delves into the contemporary criticism and enthusiasm of the time, gaining a sense of how the furniture was received in its own era.
For him, the story behind the works is just as important as having them standing in his living rooms. “It’s the beauty of things that draws me in,” Peter says, highlighting the Chieftain Chair in particular as a piece where the time and care invested in the craftsmanship are clearly visible.
Although the furniture has largely been chosen for its aesthetic qualities, it also represents a legacy that can be passed on within the family. “I like the thought that one day my grandchildren might say that it was their grandfather who used to sit in that chair.”
Source: With thanks to House of Finn Juhl
