Hans Wegner armchairs
This is a very rare set of ten armchairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1947. Each chair is constructed in oak with a handwoven cane seat and backrest, displaying Wegner’s signature focus on craftsmanship and comfort. The frames are marked by clean lines and gently curved armrests, creating a balance of structure and lightness. The handwoven cane contributes to both the tactile quality and the visual rhythm of the design, giving the chairs a warm and natural expression.
This model was exhibited at the 1947 Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition held at the Museum of Decorative Art, now Designmuseum Danmark, which was a significant platform for introducing new works by Danish designers to the public. Wegner’s participation in these exhibitions played a key role in shaping his career and establishing his reputation as a master chair designer. The present set reflects his exploration of combining traditional materials with modern construction techniques, resulting in furniture that is both durable and elegant.
Johannes Hansen’s workshop was one of Denmark’s most prestigious cabinetmaking firms, collaborating with Wegner and other leading designers of the period to produce limited runs of exceptional quality furniture. The oak frames of these chairs exhibit a rich patina developed over decades, and the cane weaving is tight and intact, with minor wear consistent with age. Together, these features emphasize their authenticity and history.
The set is in good vintage condition with signs of use and surface patina. The craftsmanship remains solid and the chairs are structurally sound. The availability of an additional set of eight chairs offers the possibility of forming a larger matching set of eighteen chairs.
Dimensions are 60 x 58 x 92 cm (23.6 x 22.8 x 36.2 inches). Seat height is 43 cm (16.9 inches), and arm height is 66 cm (26 inches).
Literature
Moderne dansk boligkunst, S. Bernadotte, J. Lehm-Laursen, Skandinavisk bogforlag, 1947, variation p. 175.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 60 / D: 58 / H: 92 / Seat H: 43 / Armrest H: 66 |
Producer | Johannes Hansen |
Decade | 1940s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Cane, Oak |
Designed in | 1947 |
Item Number | 250382 |
Hans Wegner
Hans Jørgensen Wegner (1914–2007) was a Danish furniture designer globally renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship, deep understanding of materials, and sculptural, organic forms. A central figure in the Danish modern movement, Wegner design...
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