Unique Pair of Frits Henningsen Lounge Chairs in Original Leather

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Unique Pair of Frits Henningsen Lounge Chairs in Original Leather

About the Item

Frits Henningsen, lounge chairs, oak, original leather, Denmark, 1950s These two most rare lounge chairs by Danish designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen feature highly elegant, organic lines. A stunning combination of round forms and clear lines characterize the chairs. In a sculptural manner, Henningsen shaped a lounge chair without armrests that lays full focus on the pureness of shape. Made of one piece the seat and backrest float upwards. Pointy, most delicate wings decorate the high backrest. Angular and tapered oak legs lift the chair up in a subtle but graceful manner. With the patinated leather the chairs get an authentic look and underline the importance of their heritage. The chairs are an early variant of the so called ‘Signature Chair’ by Henningsen that he designed in 1954. This unique one-off designed pair of chairs were commissioned in the 1950s by the Danish artist Johannes Obel, who was in a relationship with the daughter of Henningsen. Danish furniture designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen (1889-1965) is known for his distinct oeuvre that features high-quality pieces with characterizing craftsmanship. At the young age of 12, Henningsen finished a cabinetmaker apprenticeship. Followed by travels through Europe and gaining experience in the field, he returned to Copenhagen in 1915 where he established his own furniture shop. Henningsen joined the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild which was an important annual furniture exhibition between 1927 and 1966. Here, designers exhibited their new pieces and joined the competition. It was an important module to help the Danish Modern movement gaining (international) recognition. His oeuvre is inspired by Kaare Klint who was one of Henningsen’s teachers. Henningsen believed in the fact that the piece of furniture should be the main focus point, not its creator which is nowadays to be seen as the reason why his designs did not gained as much popularity as some of his competitors.

Creator:
Frits Henningsen (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 38.19 in (97 cm)Width: 22.05 in (56 cm)Depth: 37.8 in (96 cm)Seat Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Leather,Oak
Place of Origin:
Denmark
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
1950s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Every item Morentz offers is checked by our team of 30 craftsmen in our in-house workshop. Special restoration or reupholstery requests can be done. We guarantee a very high-quality standard, ask our design specialists for detailed information.
Seller Location:
Waalwijk, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: 450099051stDibs: LU933127511642

Shop All Frits Henningsen

Frits Henningsen

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.