A friend asked us to do a quick restoration of her Danish Teak Mogens Kold side table designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen. The work involved re-weaving the cane shelf and refinishing a worn table top. We didn’t need a lot of cane so I went to the local craft stores only to find that caning is now a “lost art” and these supplies are no longer carried by the larger craft stores. Of course I found exactly what I need on the internet, and after a few days, was ready to weave after my wife refinished the table top. Here’s some before shots:
Mogens Kold’s Møbelfabrik started in 1914 in Vestergade, Copenhagen as Kold Savværk. After a fire in 1925 the company moved and became one of the largest hardwood factories in Denmark. In 1950, Mogens Kold established a furniture factory in Langegade, Vestergade. Production stopped in 1990.
Arne Hovmand-Olsen (1919-1989) was the eldest of five children with a talent for drawing. He apprenticed to cabinetmaker P. Olsen Sibast in 1938. After that apprenticeship, he dreamed about designing the furniture which he had produced, and enrolled in a technical school specializing in furniture design in 1941. After school he started his own studio creating furniture in a simple and light style. His studio closed in the 1970’s due to illness.
Although the original caning was completely gone, about 10 holes were blocked and using an awl, I was surprised that what came out were small pegs which were used to secure the ends of the cane and provide a very clean look.
The caning went quickly, and my wife worked her magic with the oils and polish, and voila!
Well done! Looks great!
Hi, nice job! I found exactly the same table on a garage sale today, so I have to do exactly the same. What oil did you use/how did you refinish the table top to get the nice red colour back? Thanks!
Thanks! The first thing I usually do is wipe the table with a little coat of Lacquer Thinner to remove all the old polish, dirt, and lacquer coating. Then rub with fine steel wool in the direction of the grain. Then we use WATCO oil (pick the color you like or the one that most closely matches the color of that’s there now). Occasionally we mix the Watco oils to get a custom color. Follow the directions on the label. The best finish we’ve gotten is when the WATCO is dry, wipe with a cloth, wet sand with 600 grit – this will fill in small cracks and open grain. Depending on the piece, you can stop anywhere along the line if you like your finish. We’ve done up to four coats and sandings to get the finish we like. Best of luck!