Hans J. Wegner
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"Peacock" chair, executed by Johannes Hansen, Denmark 1950-60s.
Ash with teak armrests, fretted paper cord. Maker's mark JOHANNES HANSEN COPENHAGEN DENMARK seat height 31-36 cm, height 107 cm.
Very slight wear.
More information
The model was designed in 1947 and is derived from Wegner's fascination with the English Windsor chair. The backrest, "the peacock tail," is actually a practical ergonomic adaptation. The flat parts on the back spindles are intended for comfort rather than being purely decorative, which one might be deceived to believe.
Designer
Hans Jørgensen Wegner was a Danish architect and furniture designer, well-known both in Denmark and internationally. He designed over 500 different chairs, including the Wishbone Chair (the "Y chair"), which today is considered a design icon. The chair is a magnificent example of Wegner's design, with its wooden frame and laced seat. Other examples of iconic chairs designed by Wegner are The Smiling Chair and Sawbuck Chair.
In his design, Wegner combined beauty and function. With a background as a cabinetmaker, he knew how to make ergonomic, high-quality furniture.
During his career, Wegner did several significant projects with other designers, such as Arne Jacobsen, Erik Møller, and Børge Mogensen. Wegner was also involved in the concepts Danish Modern and Scandinavian Modern after the Second World War.
Wegner's design classics are found in many Scandinavian homes and are represented in the most prominent design museums worldwide.