Vintage Scandinavian leather sofa 265 by H.W. Klein for Bramin, 1960s

This modernist three-seater sofa was designed by H.W. Klein for the Danish Bramin manufactory in 1966. Model 265. It is upholstered in high-quality black natural leather. It has loose wide cushions, filled with Vestan Fiber-fill fiber, due to which they remain flexible. The solid legs are made of richly grained Brazilian rosewood. The combination of these two materials emphasizes the best qualities of classic Danish furniture art of the Mid-Century Modern era. Henry Walter Klein is a Norwegian designer known for his innovative approach to furniture production methods. He has designed furniture for the living room, bedroom, but also churches and hotels. His sideboards, armchairs, chairs and tables are timeless Scandinavian creations. He joined the Royal Navy as a carpenter during World War II. Two years later he joined to a technical school in Denmark, where he was tutored by Finn Juhl. In 1959 he graduated from design studies and founded his own studio. He developed new production methods, but his ideas were costly. To solve this problem, he invited the greatest names of Scandinavian design to discover a new approach to plastic. It was a great success: Fitz Hansen bought the patents. During the economic crisis of the 1980s, Klein left for the United States and stayed there. From the Bramin catalogs and advertisements, we can conclude that NA Jørgensen introduced the Bramin brand around 1957 or 1958. In the heyday, Bramin cooperated with many respected Danish designers such as Johannes Andersen, Hans Olsen, Kurt Østervig and Frank Reenskaug. But the Bramin’s most successful relationship was undoubtedly with H. W. Klein. For decades, the Bramming region has been the center of the Danish furniture industry. Due to the global recession in the early 1980s, many Bramming-based companies, including the Bramin, shut down. Following the closure, Klein moved to San Francisco. While much of the history of the Bramin company has been lost over time, the company’s prolific furniture production has found a vibrant place in today’s vintage market. This sofa is in original vintage condition with visible traces of age and natural patina, scratches and white traces. The seat height is 39 cm.