Hans Wegner armchair
This armchair, model no. JH813, was designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Johannes Hansen in Denmark in 1970. The chair features a sleek chrome-plated steel frame with crisp, linear forms that provide a light and modern visual expression. The seat and backrest are constructed from original brown saddle leather, presenting a rich, even patina with natural variations that highlight the chair’s authenticity and careful preservation. The leather is finely stitched, accentuating the geometric clarity and precision typical of Wegner’s mid-century work.
Hans J. Wegner was a leading figure in Danish modern design, celebrated for his profound understanding of materials and ergonomic forms. Throughout his career, he created numerous iconic seating designs that combined functional innovation with a sculptural quality. His ability to work with both traditional and industrial materials allowed him to transition seamlessly between the organic softness of wood and the sharper language of metal and leather, as demonstrated in this model.
The producer, Johannes Hansen, was one of the most respected Danish workshops specializing in the production of high-end modern furniture during the mid-20th century. Hansen collaborated closely with Wegner to manufacture many of his early and most refined pieces, ensuring a standard of craftsmanship that matched the designer’s vision.
The JH813 armchair exemplifies the core attributes of Danish modern and Scandinavian design: minimalism, respect for material integrity, and functional sophistication. The use of leather and chrome evokes a sense of understated luxury while remaining faithful to the principle of honest design.
The dimensions of the chair are 59.5 cm in width, 55 cm in depth, and 84.5 cm in height, with a seat height of 42.5 cm. In inches, these measurements correspond approximately to 23.4 inches wide, 21.7 inches deep, 33.3 inches high, and 16.7 inches seat height. The chair is in excellent condition with a beautiful, natural patina to the leather, emphasizing its quality and history without compromising its structural integrity.
Literature
Christian Holmsted Olsen, ’WEGNER – Just one good chair’, Hatje Cantz Verlag 2014, p. 156 for similar example
Dimensions (cm) | W: 59.5 / D: 55 / H: 84.5 / Seat H: 42.5 |
Producer | Johannes Hansen |
Color | Brown, Silver |
Decade | 1970s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Chrome, Leather, Steel |
Designed in | 1970 |
Item Number | 250042 |
Hans Wegner
Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) was a Danish furniture designer and a leading figure in the mid-century modern movement. Known as the “Master of the Chair” Wegner created over 500 chair designs throughout his career, many of which have be...
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