Above Photo: `Flag Halyard`chair designed by Hans Wegner. Made from enameled steel with strung support flagline it was manufactured by Gatema of Denmark in 1950. Photo Ross Floyd for Wright.
“The good chair does not exist. The good chair is a task one is never completely done with” – Hans Wegner
Hans Wegner sitting in his ‘Ox’ chair (model ej100). Designed in 1959 and produced by Jorgensen it was Wegner’s tribute to Picasso and his fascination with bulls. The chair was discontinued in 1962 as production proved too expensive.
Born the son of a cobbler in southern Denmark in 1914 renowned Danish furniture designer Hans Jørgensen Wegner contributed significantly to the international popularity of mid-century Danish design. While known for a multitude of designs, Wegner is perhaps best known for his tremendous output of chair designs.
Hans Wegner ‘Papa Bear’ chair (model AP19). Manufactured by AP Stolen in 1950. Photo: Ross Floyd for Wright
Hans Wegner’s ‘Ox’ chair (model ej100). Designed in 1959 and produced by Jorgensen.
A pair of leather club chairs produced by AP Stolen of Denmark in 1959. Photo: auction.fr.
Early brochure for the AP19 – or Papa Bear chair – 1950’s
With skills being honed during his teen years during his apprenticeship with noted Danish cabinetmaker H. F. Stahlberg and eventually at the Architectural Academy in Copenhagen Wegner’s regard for fine craftsmanship is evident in all of his pieces, with particular attention paid to fine materials and exquisite joinery.
John F. Kennedy sitting in a ‘Round Chair’ designed by Hans Wegner during the 1960 televised presidential debate. First manufactured by Johannes Hansen in 1949.
The ‘Round Chair’ designed by Hans Wegner. First manufactured by Johannes Hansen in 1949. Photo: Frank Landau
Model (CH07) ‘Shell’ chair designed by Hans Wegner. Manufactured by Carl Hanson & Sons in 1963.
Hans Jorgensen Wegner (1914 – 2007)
In a Palm Springs home designed by Wiliam Cody in 1962 are perhaps Hans Wegner’s best know design the (CH-24) or ‘Wishbone’ chair was first manufactured by Carl Hansen in 1944. Photo: Stefan Zhyuyar for Architectural Digest.
With characteristic attention to detail, the fine joinery work of the back support of the round chair.
The swivel office chair (model JH502) designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by Johannes Hansen of Denmark in 1955. Photo: LA Modern
The folding ‘Dolphin’ chair (model JH510) designed by Hans Wegner. Framed in oak with cane seat and back it was produced by Johannes Hansen in 1950. Photo: Lauritz
