Hans J Wegner: The Master of Danish Modern Furniture Design

The Ox Chair EJ 100,Hans J Wegner, 1960. (Source: stiligahem).

Hans J Wegner was a Danish furniture designer who is considered one of the most important figures in the history of modern furniture design. Born on April 2, 1914, in Tønder, Denmark, Wegner grew up in a family of craftsmen and cabinetmakers. From a young age, he showed an interest in design and woodworking, and he went on to study at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen.

Hans Wegner at the age of 14 (third from the left) during an apprenticeship with H.F. Stahlberg in Denmark. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Throughout his career, Wegner designed more than 500 pieces of furniture, including chairs, tables, and cabinets. He is best known for his work in the field of Danish modern furniture design, and his pieces are recognized for their simplicity, functionality, and use of natural materials.

"The good chair is a task one is never completely done with".

One of Wegner's most famous pieces is the Wishbone Chair, also known as the CH24. This chair, designed in 1949, has become one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of Danish modern furniture. Its distinctive features include its curved back and legs, as well as its woven seat made from paper cord. The Wishbone Chair is considered one of Wegner's most elegant and comfortable designs, and it has been in continuous production since its introduction.

Hans Wegner's Wishbone Chair (1949). Armchair designed by Hans Wegner, manufactured by Carl Hansen & Søn Møbelfabrik in 1950. Made of beechwood. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Another notable piece by Wegner is the Shell Chair, also known as the CH07. This chair was designed in 1963 and is notable for its circular shape, which provides a comfortable and supportive seating experience. The Shell Chair is made from a combination of beech and walnut, and its curved lines and use of natural materials make it a classic example of Danish modern furniture design.

Hans Wegner's two-part Shell chair prototype from 1963 on display in the Danish Design Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

In addition to his work in furniture design, Wegner also designed a number of lamps and lighting fixtures. These pieces are known for their simplicity and use of natural materials, and they reflect Wegner's commitment to functional and aesthetically pleasing design.

Hans Wegner’s Peacock Chair. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

"A chair is to have no backside. It should be beautiful from all sides and angles".

Throughout his career, Wegner was recognized for his contributions to the field of furniture design. In 1997, he was awarded the Lunning Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in Danish design, and in 1999, he was named Designer of the Century by the Danish Design Council.

Furniture on display at Linds Bolighus on Torvegade 10-12 in Vejle, Denmark. September 1964.

Items featured: CH25 lounge chair - Hans Wegner; Getama GE 258 Day Bed - Hans Wegner; AT-10 coffee table - Hans Wegner; CH24 Wishbone Chair - Hans Wegner; CH36 dining chair - Hans Wegner;

(Possibly) Cado wall unit - Poul Cadovius. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Despite his many accolades, Wegner remained humble and dedicated to his work throughout his life. He was known for his attention to detail and his commitment to quality, and he always strived to create pieces that would be both functional and beautiful.

After a long and illustrious career, Hans J Wegner passed away on January 26, 2007, at the age of 92. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of designers and his work remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of modern furniture design.

Today, Hans J. Wegner's furniture is considered some of the most iconic and important examples of Danish modern furniture design. His pieces are characterized by their simplicity, functionality, and use of natural materials, and they continue to inspire new generations of designers and furniture enthusiasts.

"Many foreigners have asked me how we made the Danish style. And I've answered that...it was rather a continuous process of purification, and for me of simplification, to cut down to the simplest possible elements of four legs, a seat and combined top rail and arm rest".

Whether you are a collector, designer, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful and functional furniture, the work of Hans J Wegner is a testament to the timeless appeal of Danish modern furniture design. His pieces are not only functional and beautiful, but they are also a symbol of the ingenuity, creativity, and dedication of one of the greatest furniture designers of all time.

(Source: Carl Hansen).