ROBIN HOOD'S HIDEAWAY

On April 15, 2008 we closed on a 1955 Mid-Century Modern home in Merriam, KS that was custom designed by the late Donald R. Hollis of Hollis + Miller Architects. We will be sharing our journey as we update the house to make it our own, while trying to stay as close to the original design as possible.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Surprise! It's a Finn Juhl Teak Buffet

Recently we received an email with from one of our blog readers, lifeartist, with some surprising information about our MCM teak buffet.


In August 2009, we posted about purchasing a teak MCM buffet built by the Mount Airy Chair Company. I didn't know much of anything about the piece or about the company, and trying to find information on the company was challenging. All I knew was that I loved the lines, and bought it at the estate sale from our neighbor.

Well lifeartist informed us that our buffet is actually a Finn Juhl designed piece of furniture. The Mount Airy Chair Company purchased the license for his designs, and built several of his pieces.
Here's a little info on Finn Juhl:
Finn Juhl (January 30, 1912 – May 17, 1989) was the first Danish furniture designer to be recognized internationally. He was a leading figure in the creation of "Danish design" in the 1940s, and he was the designer who introduced Danish Modern to America.

From 1930-1934, he attended the Architecture School at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts where he studied under Kay Fisker, a leading architect of his day and noted lecturer. After graduating, Juhl worked for ten years at Vilhelm Lauritzen's architectural firm, where he had also apprenticed as a student.

Finn Juhl’s first American assignment came in 1951 when he was asked to design the interior of the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York. This first experience in America and the contacts made in connection with it, later proved valuable for many Danish architects, because it paved the way for the notion of ‘Danish Modern’ to become internationally known and valued.

Juhl is best known for:


Chieftan Chair


Japan Chair


Pelican Chair



Egyptian Chair

If you like the style, Ideal Surroundings is selling a Finn Juhl 2-piece buffet and hutch in Illinois.


Hmmm-I just go with my gut, and I know what I like.  Little did I know that I was a Finn Juhl fan. I learn something new everyday.  Thanks lifeartist for sharing!

1 comment:

  1. Hello, I recently purchased the credenza you have and was hoping to find out more info. I love the thought of it being a Finn Juhl designed piece, but can't locate any information on it. I actually have 2 credenzas, one with a hutch and a dining table.

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