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Single Mid-Century Modern Chair in Oak & Walnut by Jens Risom, USA, c. 1960s

About the Item

Introducing a "General Purpose" arm chair designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design. Constructed from a mix of solid and molded oak and walnut plywood and featuring an audaciously sculpted back bent to the perfect angel for maximum support this now iconic "GP" chair is the epitome of utilitarian design. Designed and crafted in the late 1960's by Jens Risom Designs, consequently the zenith of Risom's career and subsequent fame, this Mid-Century Modern armchair is a true American gem. Jens Risom is widely considered to be a pioneer in introducing Danish modern furniture to the United States through early work with the Knoll company and to a greater extent through his own company, which thrived in the 1950s and ’60s. Born in Denmark in 1916, Risom emigrated to the U.S. where he teamed up with Hans Knoll to start a decades-long collaboration between the two icons. Risom served in World War II under Gen. George Patton and upon his return to the civilian world he founded his own company, Jens Risom Design, in 1946. Jens Risom Design produced a long line of accomplished pieces that ended up in such places as the Oval Office and his "Risom Lounge Chair" is a part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Throughout his life, Risom stayed true to the fundamental Danish approach to modernism, with its emphasis on traditional values and the human necessity for warmth, beauty and simplicity. Perfect for office, studio or home settings alike this impressive GP chair is ideal for collectors and designers alike searching for an authentic, American Mid-Century Modern chair that is simultaneously understated and stylish, utilitarian and comfortable. With elegant curves, a floating seat that is gently molded for maximum comfort and the ability to stack when not in use this versatile chair is ideal for those who are limited on space, but unwilling to compromise on style. Make it yours today before they're gone forever. *Note - currently last set of eight of original set of 12 available. ---Dimensions--- Width: 25 in / 63.5 cm Depth: 22 in / 55.88 cm Height: 32 in / 81.28 cm Seat Height: 15.5 in / 39.37 cm Arm Height: 26 in / 66.04 cm Save for a few minor veneer repairs, this "General Purpose" chair by Jens Risom is in original, vintage condition. Each chair does show signs of vintage wear such as the above mentioned veneer repairs as well as scratches and minor discoloration (all of which can be seen in the detail photos provided). With that said this iconic chair is in overall very good, patinaed condition. This Jens Risom GP chair is incredibly comfortable, structurally solid and ready for a literal lifetime more of use. Please view all photos for details on this chair's current condition. We're limited on the amount of media we can post, so given the inherent nuance of each chair's individual condition we recommend requesting additional photos and videos for a comprehensive view.

Creator:

Jens Risom (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 25 in (63.5 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)

Style:

Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Oak,Walnut

Place of Origin:

United States

Period:

1960-1969

Date of Manufacture:

1960

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Please see the listing body for the full condition details.

Seller Location:

Deland, FL

Reference Number:

Seller: AM02175-11stDibs: LU7413238767742

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Shop All Jens Risom

Jens Risom

The Danish-born Jens Risom brought the Scandinavian modern design sensibility to a wide audience in the United States. As the first designer for Knoll Inc., Risom introduced American buyers to the region’s enduring design values of simplicity, grace and craftsmanship.

Risom trained in furniture making at the Copenhagen School of Industrial Arts and Design under Ole Wanscher, alongside classmates Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. In 1939, a year after graduating from business school, Risom decided to move to the U.S.

While working for an interior designer in New York in 1941, he met Hans Knoll, and the businessman and the designer hit it off. They brought out their first line the next year, despite wartime materials restrictions. The signature piece — now a design icon — was a lounge chair with a striking, undulant birch frame and a seat made of webbed sub-military grade parachute straps. Risom was drafted into the army, and served as a translator under General George Patton. When he returned from the war, Risom clashed over furniture design ideals with his business partner’s new bride, Florence Knoll, the pioneering mid-century modernist who was schooled in the Bauhaus method, which favored furniture with strict, geometric metal frames. Risom then started his own company, Jens Risom Design.

In the course of his long career, Risom developed a stylistic vocabulary that was a reflection of the life of the man himself: his furniture has Danish warmth coupled with an American air of crisp efficiency. Vintage Risom chairs are almost instantly recognizable — the arms and seat backs are set at a distinctive angle that seems to invite people to sit back and relax, yet they know they can hop up in an instant, ready to go.

As you will see on these pages, Jens Risom is one of the great men of American modern design who made furniture that is unique and timeless.

Find a collection of vintage Jens Risom furniture on 1stDibs that includes lounge chairs, desks, coffee tables and more.