Ever had a chair crush? I’ve had quite a few in my time but they say you always remember your first dose of unrequited love and mine was the Wishbone. Designed by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son in 1949, it has been in production ever since. The minute I saw it I fell hook, line and sinker for its clean lines, steam-bent back and tapered legs. Classical and functional, yet somehow exotic with its hints of Chinese Ming, it’s one of those pieces I never tire of admiring – and using.
This year, Hans Wegner, one of the leading figures of the mid century Danish Modern furniture movement – and one of my all time favourite designers ¬– would have celebrated his 100th birthday.
A prolific talent, he designed over 500 different chairs over his lifetime, and more than 100 of those were put into mass production. When he passed away in January 2007, aged 92, he had about 80 works in production and these are still being manufactured today. Many of them are recognizable design icons; as well as the Wishbone, I’m also particularly fond of the curves on the Shell, the elegance of the Peacock and the simplicity of Elbow, all designed with Wegner’s trademark beauty, durability and sustainability in mind. Another of my favourites, the Round Chair (also designed in 1949) was dubbed ‘the most beautiful chair in the world’ by the American magazine Interiors and reached the iconic status of being known simply as ‘The Chair’ after Nixon and Kennedy used it in the first ever televised debate between US presidential candidates in 1960.
As for my crush? Here in Australia, your best bet to find a Wishbone (or any iconic Hans Wegner piece) is Cult (cultdesign.com.au) but you may be lucky to find a pre loved piece at Home Furniture on Consignment (hfoc.com.au).
Happy birthday Hans Wegner. Long may your designs continue to inspire.
Photos:
1. Wishbone Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Sons
2. Shell Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Sons
3. Peacock Chair by Hans J. Wegner for PP Mobler
4. Elbow Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Sons
5. The Chair (aka Round One) by Hans J. Wegner for PP Mobler
All Available from Cult.
cultdesign.com.au
1300 76 86 26
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