BERNT PETERSEN, Worts
Denmark
1964
Cuban Mahogany, Cipollino Marble
50 3/4″ wide x 21 1/2″ deep x 21 1/4″ high

Often known simply as “Bernt,” Petersen was a cabinetmaker by training who became a very successful designer. He eventually taught at both Denmark’s Design School and at the Royal Danish Academy’s Furniture School.

Bernt’s designs are much admired for their highly-refined and deceptively simple forms. In his best work, as with this table, the proportions are precise and gracious and allow the materials–the subtly flint-rolled cipollino marble, the carved mahogany legs–to articulate the form without ornament or overstatement.