Frits Henningsen Armchair

Designed in 1952 by Frits Henningsen (1889–1965), the simple and elegant Signature chair is demonstrative of the meticulous attention to craftsmanship for which the Danish furniture maker is primarily known.

Henningsen began his career as a cabinetmaker — he apprenticed in the early 1900s under I.P. Mørck, a leading figure in the industry, and eventually studied under architect and designer Kaare Klint at the Klint-founded Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where many of his peers in the Danish design community would also train. Under Mørck and Klint, Henningsen developed a deep appreciation for handmade work, and he reportedly found in Klint a competitor who challenged him to spend countless hours refining and perfecting the furniture he made.

Henningsen opened his own workshop in central Copenhagen in 1915 after having worked in Germany, France and elsewhere for some time following the completion of his apprenticeship with Mørck. The cabinetmaker wasn’t just the proprietor of the retail space, he was also a designer and frequently spent time interacting with his clientele, learning about the consumer needs of the day and integrating their feedback into the processes behind his chairs, tables and cabinets.

Henningsen always manufactured his own handmade designs — usually with exotic woods and drawing on methods that date back to the 19th century — which was rare for cabinetmakers of the era. The Signature chair began as a model made from putty-like modeling clay and toothpicks before large-scale construction materialized in his workshop. 

While many young Danish designers at the time began to shift toward the incorporation of more geometric, angular contours in their work, Henningsen maintained an interest in the curved forms now typically associated with Scandinavian modern furniture. Atop slim U-shaped legs, the seat and high backrest of the minimal Signature chair were made from one single curved piece of wood, the top of which gently folds in toward the sitter, creating understated winged sections that contribute to its distinctive and inviting form. 

Months of testing and careful adjustments ensued before the designer was convinced that the Signature chair was ready for manufacturing. Even then, less than 20 editions of the now-classic piece were ever made available to the public, ensuring that original versions remain increasingly tantalizing to collectors. It was the last piece of furniture that Henningsen produced. 

In 2015, Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Signature chair and paired it with a footstool. It is available in various finishes and with leather or fabric upholstery.

Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen never compromised on quality. His furniture is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, and unlike many designers of his day, Henningsen — a dogged perfectionist — rarely permitted any of his pieces to be built outside of his own workshop. Each of his elegant low-profile tables, chairs and sofas feature the clean lines and graceful curves typically associated with vintage mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern furniture.

Henningsen was born in 1889 and apprenticed as a cabinetmaker in the early 1900s. He was mentored by the well-known and respected cabinetmaker I.P. Mørck and completed his apprenticeship at the age of 22. Henningsen also studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where one of his teachers was legendary furniture designer Kaare Klint, who is frequently called the father of Danish modernism. Henningsen saw Klint as a friendly rival, which motivated him to refine his craftsmanship and technique.

Henningsen traveled throughout Germany, France, and Great Britain to gather knowledge, experience and inspiration. He returned to Copenhagen in 1915 and set up a furniture store and workshop to create and sell his own designs. He also developed relationships with Rud Rasmussen and Carl Hansen & Søn, the only furniture manufacturers he trusted to produce his designs.

Bucking the angular and geometric furniture trends of the time, Henningsen embraced fluid and organic forms. Much of his inspiration came from the Rocco, French Empire and British 17th-century styles he encountered on his travels. The 1930 Heritage chair is a prime example of these influences. It features soft, curving lines and has a sophisticated appeal. Another piece that showcases Henningsen’s style and craftsmanship is the 1952 Signature chair. A striking work that features an inviting curved seat atop sinuous carved wood legs, the Signature chair was his last design.

The straightforward and timeless style of Henningsen furniture continues to enjoy popularity today. In fact, in 2015, Carl Hansen & Son rereleased the iconic Signature chair.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Frits Henningsen seating, side tables and cabinets on 1stDibs.