A merger of contemporary living with historic reverence, the Thorvald collection offers timeless elegance with furniture that can be at home anywhere.

Designed by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition, the new range of tables and chairs bridges the past and the present, plucking inspiration from the Thorvaldsen Museum, and Bertel Thorvaldsen’s sculptures. Infused with a Danish sensibility, the pieces blend form, function and aesthetic beauty while bringing a lightness that makes them universally versatile.

Named in honour of Bertel Thorvaldsen, a celebrated Danish sculptor known for his neo-classical masterpieces, the collection draws from the rhythmic lines and sculptural finesse that define both his works and the architectural grandeur of the museum that houses them. Built in 1848, the Thorvaldsen Museum itself is a study in contrasts, with its decorative ceilings and intricate mosaic floors set against the pure, pristine style of Thorvaldsen’s sculptures.

Space Copenhagen founders, Signe Henriksen and Peter Rützou, took these artistic tensions as inspiration for the Thorvald Collection, resulting in pieces that evoke lightness and solidity, elegance and functionality.

At the heart of the Thorvald Collection is an interplay between structure and softness. The steel frames and mesh-like seating grids evoke the museum’s mosaic patterns, while the flowing curves of the chairs echo the graceful lines of Thorvaldsen’s sculptures. “Design is about emotions and intuition,” says Henriksen. “We wanted to create something that feels light and transparent, that invites you to connect with your environment – whether in a bustling city or a serene natural setting.”

This transparency, both literal and metaphorical, allows the pieces to feel comfortable in their surroundings. Whether placed in a quiet garden, a busy urban square, or overlooking a waterfront café, the pieces interact with the light and shadows.

Space Copenhagen’s design philosophy is rooted in balancing opposites, and the Thorvald Collection exemplifies this. The solid steel construction ensures durability, while the soft, organic shapes of the chairs and tables bring a poetic quality to the pieces. “We are always striving to find the right balance between functionality and the more poetic, dreamy features,” Henriksen explains. “In a fast-paced world, connecting with nature and the seasons becomes increasingly important for our well-being.”

Rützou adds, “Copenhagen has this vibrant, liberated energy, with amazing outdoor environments – whether parks, waterfronts, or cafés. We wanted to capture that sense of freedom and connection, much like Thorvaldsen, who was always looking forward while drawing from the traditions of the past.”

The Thorvald Collection offers a suite of seven versatile pieces, including stackable chairs, lounge seating, and various sizes of café and dining tables. Available in three understated colours – Warm Black, Bronze Green, and Ivory – the collection’s palette is neutral, allowing the surrounding environment to shine through.

The simplicity of the form is an invitation to pause, reflect and enjoy the beauty of outdoor living. “It’s about creating a space where people can slow down, appreciate the moment, and feel a sense of calm,” says Rützou.

The Thorvald Collection is a tribute to both the artistic heritage of Copenhagen and the modern need for functional, beautiful spaces.

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