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Frits Henningsen's Signature Chair rereleased by Carl Hansen & Søn

The last chair designed by late Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen has been put back into production by furniture company Carl Hansen & Søn.

The 1952 Signature Chair features a single curved piece that forms the seat and back. The furniture's sinuous forms are echoed in a gently bent wooden framework with tapering U-shaped legs. The top of the chair folds in slightly to create winged sections around the sitter.

Henningsen – whose furniture often eschewed straight lines in favour of curves – designed the chair using plasticine and toothpicks for legs. It was manufactured in the designer's own Copenhagen workshop, although less than 20 editions of the chair were produced.

Henningsen, who died in 1965, was taught by fellow Danish furniture designer Kaare Klint. He focused on the importance of craftsmanship in his work, always creating pieces in his own workshop.

Carl Hansen & Søn was one of only two manufacturers that produced his furniture, and has been selling his Windsor Chair for over 70 years.

"Our work with Frits Henningsen, and later with his family, has been ongoing for many years, and the recreation of the Signature Chair is a continuation of this partnership," said Carl Hansen & Søn CEO, Knud Erik Hansen.

While reviewing the designer's archives the company came across drawings of the Signature Chair, which prompted them to put it back into production. Earlier the year, the company also re-released Danish designer Ole Wanscher's 1964 Colonial Sofa.

"This is the chair that put the finishing touch on Frits Henningsen's life work and consummated his legacy as one of Denmark's greatest furniture designers," added Hansen.

"The Signature Chair is therefore an indisputable classic, and its timeless design makes it a natural addition to our product range."

The chair is available with a solid oak or walnut frame, and in black leather or fabric upholstery, in various colours including orange, black and blue.

"With its very simple design, the Signature Chair tells the story of a cabinetmaker who was uncompromising and perfectionistic in his choice of materials and execution," said Hansen.

Carl Hansen & Søn opened a furniture showroom in London's Clerkenwell earlier this year, to showcase furniture by mid-century designers including Hans J Wegner, Kaare Klint and Poul Kjaerholm.

Other notable furniture re-released this year includes Robin Day's 1960s stackable Polyside chair, and a new version of Alvar Aalto's 901 tea trolley, redesigned by Hella Jongerius and released by Artek.

Frits Henningsen's Signature Chair rereleased by Carl Hansen & Søn

Details

  • Denmark
  • Carl Hansen & Søn