The Danish Chair: an international affair

(Hardback)

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Description

Presents 110 Danish chairs and charts their success at home and abroad from the mid-20th century until the present day

In the mid-20th century design became a cultural phenomenon that placed Denmark on the world map. Danish Design emerged in 1949 as a real brand, when American journalists started to write about Danish furniture in relation to a furniture exhibition by Snedkerlauget in Copenhagen. 'Den runde stol' made by Hans. J. Wegner was given the name 'The Chair'. This was not only the beginning of a great export adventure but also a challenge for the Danish designers, who became world recognized for their obsession with creating the perfect chair.

The chair has always been the touchstone of designers and the design historians' favourite object. It touches and reflects the body it carries with arms, legs, seat and back. Besides this point, the chair is one of our most culture-bearing design objects and it tells a story about the period and the society from which it was created.

In a very unique way this book shows, not just in words but also with drawings and photos how Danish chairs are built on historical furniture types, which are then refined into the infinite. The message and the explanation for the international success of Danish furniture is this; Danish furniture design is based on foreign culture and the best creations of former times.

Reviews

[The] visual catalogue celebrates the aesthetics of Danish chairs.-- "L'Officiel"
In the book, Holmsted Olesen positions Danish design at the center of an international and historical dialogue. The author reveals how celebrated midcentury modern chair designs by Danish icons took inspiration from history and abroad.--Adrian Madlener "Architect's Newspaper"
The book, a handsome rectangular volume, is organized roughly like the show, with one chair per spread, showing how they relate to each other and the evolution of Danish design.--Carol Kino "1stdibs"
This book is a great addition to any library, as it's not only providing encyclopedic data on most of the famed Danish chairs in modern times, but also puts them in historical contexts. By highlighting their relationship to such historical examples as the ancient Klismos Chair, abstract Rietveld Zig-Zag Chair, and the vernacular Windsor Chair, it provides an in-depth understanding of Danish Modern.--Daniella Ohad

Author Bio

Christian Holmsted Olesen is head of exhibits and collections at Designmuseum Danmark. He has served on the Danish Design Council since and has written a number of books on design, including the monograph Wegner - Just One Good Chair.