Designer in spotlight

Lo and behold: the foundation of Great Dane Furniture.

Great Dane Furniture has built quite the reputation for quality, service, and craftsmanship in the world of furniture design – just ask anyone who has wandered through the Prospect Street showroom. But behind the store façade comes a heart-warming story highlighting founder Anton Assaad’s connection with late designer Arne Vodder and just how the team shaped Great Dane into the 20-year business it is today.

Anton first discovered Arne’s furniture before launching Great Dane, yet it was some years later that Anton discovered Arne was alive, prompting him to send his very first letter. “It would mark the beginning of an important partnership for Great Dane, and more personally, the beginning of an important friendship,” Anton says.

The pair exchanged letters for months on end until finally meeting in a Copenhagen hotel lobby. “To my delight, his personality matched his timeless designs perfectly,” he says.

Naturally, their conversations pivoted into putting Arne’s designs into production thanks to Great Dane’s resources and talented team of experts.

And although Arne passed away in 2009, Great Dane continue to bring Vodder pieces back to life. “I still feel a great sense of pride knowing that it was only with help of Great Dane that Vodder pieces are once more available,” Anton says.

If you’d love to come and immerse yourself in Vodder’s work, a stroll through our Brisbane showroom will not disappoint – you need to touch and experience the beautiful dovetailing to fully appreciate the collection.

GREAT DANE FURNITURE

2 PROSPECT STREET, FORTITUDE VALLEY

P 5613 2922 GREATDANEFURNITURE.COM