The Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) was one of the most influential designers when it came to the popularity of mid-century Danish design. His work reflected the minimalist aesthetic of Scandinavian design focusing on simplicity, functionality and beautiful craftsmanship. Throughout his life, Hans created around 500 chair designs, many of which became iconic and timeless pieces, earning him the name ‘master of the chair’. He always stated that he wanted to design one good chair. Luckily for us, he surpassed this numerous times over.
His style often described as organic functionality consists of promoting harmony between the natural world and man-made elements. We see this implemented throughout his work by using natural materials like wood; the smooth forms and elegant lines imitating structures found in nature.
Design Genius:
Wegner took an interest in craftsmanship from an early age, due to being exposed to his father's work as a shoemaker. This introduction to working with his hands influenced his work ethos later on in life. He began his apprenticeship in cabinetmaking when he was just 14 years old, learning the fine skills required for traditional furniture making and woodworking. After this he went on to study at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen from 1936-38. His interest in furniture design and architecture was sparked by his studies at the Architectural Department of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he became an honorary member in 1995.
Wegner's dedication to craftsmanship and simplistic beauty earned him many awards throughout his career. These include the Lunning Prize in 1951, the Grand Prix of the Milan Triennale in 1951, the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ Eckersberg Medal in 1956 and many more. His work is exhibited in almost all of the major design museums in the world including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, signifying the everlasting impact he has had on the design world. His work remains greatly influential and continues to be manufactured by companies like Carl Hansen & Son.
Out of all his designs his most famous piece is the Wishbone Chair (CH24) made in 1949. The iconic Y shaped back makes the chair easily distinguishable and it is regarded as a design classic all over the world. Also introduced in 1949 was The Round Chair (The Chair). This bought worldwide attention to Wegner’s work as it was used in a television debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960. The chair showcased what Danish design was all about with its smooth curves and craftsmanship.
Carl Hansen CH24 Wishbone Dining Chair Natural Paper Cord
