Hans Wegner lounge chair

This early and very rare example of the Flag Halyard Chair was designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Getama in Denmark. It exemplifies an experimental phase in Wegner’s oeuvre, where industrial materials such as steel and rope were integrated into the Scandinavian modernist vocabulary. Designed in the mid-20th century, the Flag Halyard Chair departs from Wegner’s predominantly wooden works, yet retains his commitment to craftsmanship, comfort, and form.

The chair’s structure is composed of a white-lacquered metal frame, which supports a seat and backrest made from tightly woven natural flagline. This rope material is tensioned to form a suspended surface that adapts to the user’s body, functioning as a flexible support system. A luxurious sheepskin in a soft off-white tone is draped over the seat, enhancing both comfort and tactile appeal. An orange leather cushion provides head support and introduces a vibrant visual contrast to the otherwise neutral color palette.

The silhouette of the chair is low and reclined, contributing to its relaxed posture. The slender tubular steel legs are angled to create a stable yet visually light base. The frame’s angular geometry juxtaposed with the supple and organic sheepskin generates a dialogue between hard and soft materials, a hallmark of Wegner’s design approach in this period.

The condition of the chair reflects its age, with a consistent patina across the metal frame and minor wear throughout. The flagline remains structurally sound with no visible fraying or damage. The sheepskin retains its plush texture and full form, while the orange cushion remains saturated in color and free of major defects, showing only minimal signs of use.

Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) was a Danish designer internationally renowned for his contributions to modern furniture design. Celebrated for over 500 chair designs, his work emphasized the importance of form meeting function, often through a deep exploration of wood joinery and ergonomics. The Flag Halyard Chair, however, is notable for its departure from wood and for its experimentation with steel and cord, standing as a rare and innovative example within Wegner’s expansive body of work.

The chair’s dimensions are 105 cm wide, 120 cm deep, 79 cm high, with a seat height of 38 cm. In inches, this translates to approximately 41.3 inches wide, 47.2 inches deep, 31.1 inches high, with a seat height of 15 inches.