The Danish Chair

Presents 110 Danish chairs and charts their success at home and abroad from the mid-20th century until the present day In the mid-20th century design became a cultural phenomenon that placed Denmark on the world map. Danish Design emerged in 1949 as a real brand, when American journalists started to write about Danish furniture in relation to a furniture exhibition by Snedkerlauget in Copenhagen. 'Den runde stol' made by Hans. J. Wegner was given the name 'The Chair'. This was not only the beginning of a great export adventure but also a challenge for the Danish designers, who became world recognized for their obsession with creating the perfect chair. The chair has always been the touchstone of designers and the design historians' favourite object. It touches and reflects the body it carries with arms, legs, seat and back. Besides this point, the chair is one of our most culture-bearing design objects and it tells a story about the period and the society from which it was created. In a very unique way this book shows, not just in words but also with drawings and photos how Danish chairs are built on historical furniture types, which are then refined into the infinite. The message and the explanation for the international success of Danish furniture is this; Danish furniture design is based on foreign culture and the best creations of former times.

Depicts and describes more than two hundred examples of twentieth century Danish chair design

Depicts and describes more than two hundred examples of twentieth century Danish chair design

A magnificent monograph celebrating the one hundredth birthday of legendary Danish furniture designer, Hans J. Wegner. The name Hans J. Wegner is synonymous with his iconic chair designs, which helped to popularise mid-century Danish design on an international scale. With more than 500 creations, Wegner's appreciation for natural materials and traditional building techniques makes his designs both beautiful and timeless.

A richly illustrated presentation of Danish Mid-Century furniture classics and the iconic designers who created them Danish design plays an important part in what has come to be known as the Mid- Century Modern style. Timeless furniture pieces, such as the Hans J. Wegner's Y-Chair and Finn Juhl's Chieftain Chair, influenced designers all over the world and are still considered classics. This book is the first to present an overview of the furniture created by Danish designers and architects, in the period between 1945-1975, tracing the movement from beginning to end. Design history expert Lars Dybdahl provides thorough descriptions and analyses of particular furniture pieces, never failing to situate them within a historical and cultural context. The book is richly illustrated, showcasing the aesthetic development from post-war Denmark to the swinging sixties and seventies.

Foreword by Hanne Kjaeholm. Text by Michael Sheridan.

Denmark has long since written international design history. Today, Danish furniture, textiles, and home appliances and utensils from the sixties and seventies are more popular than ever. The beautiful pieces are meanwhile for sale at design galleries and have become a rarity at flea markets. In short, Nordic items for everyday use have become internationally sought-after trophies for sophisticates. This publication provides an extensive overview of those everyday objects that have to this day written design history both in Denmark as well as worldwide. Along with thirty-two leading scholars and journalists, the head of the library and research at the Designmuseum Danmark in Copenhagen, Lars Dybdahl, advances into the fascinating history of the individual objects. Playfully presented and situated in their historical context, the catalogue sheds new light on this unique world of objects.