The “Kirkestol” or “Church Chair” was originally designed by Danish pioneer, Kaare Klint in 1936 for the Bethlehem Church in Copenhagen. Several versions of the chair were produced, this version with armrests is known as model 4233 and was produced by Fritz Hansen.

Made of beech and Danish paper cord, these chairs are true icons from Kaare Klint, recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture design. The Bethlehem Church, for which these church chairs were designed, coincidentally was the first Danish church to use chairs instead of benches. Besides the historical value, this pair also possesses a design that is Danish at its core: organic materials, the clean lines of Modernism and the clear-eyed practicality of Functionalism. The style is clearly influenced by the Shaker style, simple but well-proportioned and well-made furniture. As seen on this Klint’s design, these chairs usually had spindles and a high back of the type usually called a ladder back, but on the Danish versions, the cross pieces of the back rest tended to be thin but flat, curved and shaped pieces of flat wood rather than spindles or rungs. Similarly to its Shaker predecessors, decoration is kept to a minimum on these chairs, instead, the materials - especially the woven paper cord - and the beautifully crafted functional elements serve a double purpose. The straight cross rails and stretchers between the legs balance the gently curved backs, while the beauty of the beech wood is complemented by the organic paper cord comprising the seats.

The “Church Chair” by “the instigator of functionalism”, Kaare Klint, is a beautiful example of Danish craftsmanship at its finest, and a true classic with its timeless design. The manufacturer, Fritz Hansen is world-famous to this day as being among the most famous Danish companies to ever produce furniture.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood.

Dimensions:

Larger chair

24.21 in W x 22.44 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Arm height 25.98 in

61.5 cm W x 57 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Arm height 66 cm

Smaller chair

23.81 in W x 22.04 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Arm height 25.98 in

60.5 cm W x 56 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Arm height 66 cm

About the Designer:

The practical and comfortable designs of Danish cabinetmakers defined mid-20th century modern seating. The Danish Cabinetmakers focused on minimalist design executed by expertly skilled craftsmen.

Works from the Danish Cabinet-Makers' Guild is a concept of its own in collectible design. The Cabinet-Makers' Guild began annual exhibitions in 1927 in Copenhagen. The group formed an exhibit showing each year in October the quality furniture made to drawings by gifted architects. The exhibition took place each year, without interruption, for forty years. A number of successful Danish Design collaborations were formed during this time between cabinetmakers and architects.

Danish Modernism has influenced Scandinavian furniture to a great degree, defined by minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The muted colours and gentle designs make Danish mid-century furniture an ideal addition to contemporary living spaces. Additionally, master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities.

The works of master cabinetmakers – such as this chair – are of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Cabinetmakers take the art of working with wood one step further, and focus on the finer details of what can be created with the material. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that numerous master cabinetmakers are part of the renowned Danish Culture Canon (Danish: Kulturkanonen). The canon contains no more than 108 works of cultural excellence, based on works with a useful function and that are still recognizable today. This small armchair is the perfect illustration of Danish design, and the work of a true cabinetmaker. ~H.