Join me in a snoop around Gonnermann, a mid-century modern furniture shop. This store is situated in Highgate, London, on the corner of Archway Road and Shepherd’s Hill. It’s a great place to explore if you’re after retro Danish furniture. From leather sofas to sixties teak dining tables, sideboards, storage and lighting, you’ll find something to fall in love with. The shop is owned by Julian Gonnermann, who took over the business from his grandmother. She used to run an antique business specialising in glass antiques there from the sixties. Julian has been running this shop solo for five years now and very kindly said yes when I asked if I could take some photographs.
Shop Interiors
Gonnermann Mid Century Modern Furniture Shop Stock
As you can imagine, the stock comprises some mid-century modern furniture gems. Julian travels to Denmark and Germany to source the majority of his pieces. You’ll find a great collection of seating which includes fabric upholstered aluminium armchairs to modular seating, leather sofas, plus teak and rosewood framed chairs. One example is this Grete Jalk Chair with a teak frame. It is circa 1960 and manufactured by Glostrup. Julian has a pair available, and they feature the original cushion covers. However, he has replaced the foam pads inside to make them more comfortable. If you wanted them re-upholstered, Julian could organise that for you.
Grete Jalk Chair in Teak with Original Upholstery
Or perhaps you’d be interested in a leather sofa which originates from West Germany circa the 1960s. Rudolf B Glatzel of Kill International designed this. It has been upholstered in soft red leather and stands upon a solid Brazilian rosewood frame. I love the high back, which is stunning. The backrests feature button detailing, which is very attractive. Other sofas currently available also include designs by Illum Wikkelso and Grete Jalk.
Rudolf B Glatzeln Red Leather Sofa with Rosewood Frame
You can also pick up a collection of retro dining chairs. There was a set of four Teak Dining Chairs with original vinyl upholstery. These were manufactured by Mahjongg Vlaardingen circa 1960 from Holland. Other dining chair options include Johannes Andersen rosewood varieties, a set by Gordon Russell and one by Poul Volther for FDB Mobler.
Mahjongg Vlaardingen Teak Dining Chairs
You’ll find a few options here if you’re looking for a Teak Sideboard. This 1960s example is British-made. It features three central drawers with a cupboard on either side. The walnut handles are round and chunky, which stand out against the teak. Ideal for housing crockery and cutlery in your dining room. Other storage items also include this pair of Oak Bedside Cupboards. This is another British-made product by Lebus, circa the 1960s. You can also find bookcases, cabinets and chests of drawers available. If you want a table, you are likely to be able to pick up teak or rosewood dining tables, coffee tables, occasional tables and desks.
British Made Teak Sideboard and Oak Bedside Cabinets
You will also find a selection of lighting in the store. The Glass and Chrome Ceiling Light caught my eye. It was very stylish with six separate striking spiked glass shades and a sturdy chrome angular frame. Other light fittings included glass wall lights and a few vintage Murano glass examples.
Glass and Chrome Ceiling Light
The stock is predominately mid-century modern but not exclusively. You might come across a few oil paintings from other eras, an art deco table lamp or perhaps a Victorian ornament. If you have something specific in mind, do contact Julian because he is happy to locate an object for you.
Gonnermann Mid Century Modern Furniture Shop Interiors
The shop sits on a corner and is by itself, so it does stand out. Inside it is split between two adjoining rooms on one level. The furniture display isn’t too crowded, although you might find chairs placed on top of tables or dangling from the ceiling. Thankfully there is enough space to admire each piece which is great. You are welcome to test out the chairs and pull out furniture to get a good look. It’s a lovely shop to browse at the weekend, so if you are passing by, make sure you pop in for your snoop.
Gonnermann Mid Century Modern Furniture Shop Information
Shop Exterior
If you want to browse or buy furniture online, go to the website Gonnermann. The shop address is 408-410 Archway Road, London N6 5AT. It is right next to Highgate Underground Station, which is on the Northern Line. If you are driving, there are a few places to park nearby, which you can find out about on the website. The opening hours are Wednesday from 10 am until 3.30 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am until 5 pm. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. If you live far away, it is wise to call Julian and let him know you are visiting to ensure the shop is open.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Julian, for letting me take pictures.
