Lot 14 Grete Jalk

A SUPERB ROSEWOOD THREE PIECE SUITE BY GRETE JALK, FOR FRANCE & SON, DANISH, 1960s, the open shaped backs with curved armrests, on tapering supports, each piece with applied stamp of 'France & Son' and also stamped with France & Son monogram and 'Made in Denmark', comprising: A three seat settee, 192cm wide x 70cm high x 70cm deep; A pair of easy chairs, 79cm wide x 70cm high x 70cm deep. (3) Grete Jalk was formally trained at the School of Arts and Crafts, going on to study with Danish master Kaare Klint at the Royal Academy of Artsin Copenhagen. Though she took part in exhibitions such as the Milan Triennial outside of Denmark, she made a name for herself with the work she did from her own design office for Fritz Hansen and Poul Jeppesen,and for her annual appearance at the Cabinetmakers' shows. Founded in 1950 by a British businessman Charles France and his Danish partner Inger Daverkosen. France and Son was the first Danish design company to have its own factory. They made furniture of the highest caliber and Charles France, the company's founder, refused to join the association for quality in Denmark after its creation, saying that their standards would never match those of his factory. The company came to epitomise the Danish modern aesthetic, working with the major designers of the day including Arne Vodder, Grete Jalk, Peter Hvidt and Finn Juhl The sleek and modern look is a testament to Denmark's designers of the 1960s, who defined modern furniture and created a new wave of decoration with simple lines and quality manufacture.