October 2009

So new, it's retro - second hand chic in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has always been recognised as a major centre for antiques, but it's only recently that the city has seriously woken to the idea of modern classics, or retro chic. This has meant that a tremendous backlog of excellent material that has previously been hidden away in summerhouses, lofts and obscure junk shops is finally seeing the light. Shops specialising in 50s objet d'arts, 70s kitsch, retro clothes and collectibles are now thick on the ground and are often conveniently concentrated in particular neighbourhoods.

On Ravnsborgade in Nørrebro, there is an established community, of around 20 second hand/antique shops. There are also many small trendy shops in the area that have given it a newfound hip status as the "Latin Quarter".

Real bargains are far more likely to turn up at one of the city's flea markets, where junk rubs shoulders with the odd unrecognised gem. Frederiksberg and Israels Plads flea markets are less pricey than the market at Gammel Strand. But, Gammel Strand's ambience is unbeatable, with its canalside setting and open-air cafes.

For more serious collectors of modern Danish classics - like Poul Henningsen lamps, Arne Jacobsen chairs or Piet Hein tables - Dansk Møbelkunst and Permanent Design are veritable shrines to design. In the city, Klassisk and IQ Light (at Bald & Bang)share a penchant for 50s, 60s and 70s furniture and style, while København K and Kitsch Bitch offer a selective but eclectic selection of quality retro clothes.

Roxy Klassik is specialized in mid-century design from architects such as Kaare Klint, Ole Wancher, Hans J Wegner, Finn Juhl and Arne Jacobsen to designers like Verner Panton, Charles & Ray Eames and Poul Henningsen. The showroom in Copenhagen sells furniture, lamps, ceramics as well as arts & crafts objects from the golden period of Scandinavian Design.

If you don't want to buy, but are tired of artificial fabrics and copy furniture, you could also spend the night at Hotel Alexandra, where they have 12 retro classic Danish design rooms furnished with the work of Arne Jacobsen, Ole Wanscher, Hans J. Wegner and Finn Juhl among others.

Bruun Rasmusen Auction House, internationally recognised for their fine art auctions, have been quick to exploit the new trend and now also run a monthly series of auctions just outside town in Kalkbrænderihavn, concentrating on more recent stock.

Discretely monitoring all the new action at a comfortable distance, Copenhagen's antique dealers and outlets are also thriving. A stroll down Bredgade reveals no less than 8 specialist shops including Antik & Arts who deal primarily in the design of Kay Bojesen and George Jensen. KLASSIK buys and sells original vintage furniture and design classics within the style known as Scandinavian Modern or Danish Modern. Specializing in lamps and lighting by Poul Henningsen (PH), and offering a wide selection of Arts and Crafts from 'The Golden Age' of Scandinavian design.

In the heart of the city, are Georg Jensen Antiques, on Amagertorv, with its impressive offerings of silverware.

Just a minute's walk from the bustle of Stroget lies peaceful Kompagnistræde, and Læderstræde home to another cluster of antique shops.

Major international auction houses, Christie's and Sotheby's and their Danish counterparts Bruun Rasmussen, and Ellekilde are appropriately congregated in the financial district of Bredgade.

On the island of Amager, where the airport i situated, is Green Square, Scandinavia's largest antiques warehouse. In nine halls with 10.000 sq.m. of displays you find Chinese antiques, Spanish Colonial Furniture, European antiques from 1600-1920 and Decorative items.