France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, and CADO

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Have you ever wondered what the difference is between France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, and CADO?

France & Daverkosen, later known as France & Søn, was a pioneering Danish furniture manufacturer renowned for its significant contributions to mid-century modern design. The company was established in 1936 as a collaboration between British businessman Charles William Fearnley France and Danish cabinetmaker Eric Daverkosen.

Initially focused on mattress production, the company shifted its attention to furniture design and manufacturing after World War II. Following Daverkosen's death in 1937 and Charles France’s experiences as a prisoner of war, the company resumed operations with a new focus on innovative design and mass production techniques.

In 1957, Charles France's son, James France, joined the company, prompting a rebranding to France & Søn. The firm became widely known for its collaborations with iconic designers such as Finn Juhl, Grete Jalk, Ole Wanscher, and Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. These partnerships produced timeless pieces that married elegant form with practical function.

One of the company’s key innovations was a revolutionary technique for machining teak wood, which was previously considered too difficult for mass production. This breakthrough allowed France & Søn to manufacture high-quality teak furniture efficiently and at scale.

By the 1950s, France & Søn had become a major force in Danish furniture exports. In 1967, the company was sold to Danish designer Poul Cadovius and subsequently renamed CADO. Although operations ceased in the late 1970s, the legacy of France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, and CADO lives on through the enduring beauty and craftsmanship of their designs.

Conclusion:
Whether you come across a piece marked France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, or CADO, you are looking at a chapter of Danish design history. Each name represents a stage in the evolution of a company that helped define the aesthetics, quality, and innovation of mid-century modern furniture. These pieces remain highly collectible and continue to inspire designers and enthusiasts around the world.