By Frits Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Søn, Windsor armchair, beech, Niger leather, Denmark, designed and made early 1940s
The Windsor chair is a design typology with deep historical roots, originating in England in the 18th century and subsequently gaining popularity across Europe and North America. Traditionally characterized by its wooden construction, spindle back, and sturdy yet elegant silhouette, the Windsor chair has been subject to numerous reinterpretations by designers over the centuries. One such reinterpretation came in the early 1940s when Danish designer Frits Henningsen (1889–1965) was commissioned by Carl Hansen & Søn to create a modern version of the Windsor chair.
The early 1940s was a period marked by significant material constraints due to the ongoing Second World War. The shortage of upholstery materials made traditional upholstered furniture increasingly difficult to produce. As a result, Danish furniture manufacturers sought alternative designs that relied primarily on solid wood – one of the few readily available materials. In response to this challenge, Carl Hansen & Søn, one of Denmark’s most esteemed furniture makers, approached Frits Henningsen to develop a contemporary Windsor chair...
Category
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Beech Seating