Beech and Papercord Armchair by Frits Schlegel (Attr.), Denmark ca 1940s
Beech and Papercord Armchair by Frits Schlegel (Attr.), Denmark ca 1940s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Frits Schlegel was a defining Danish functionalist architect and designer, and while highly successful as an architect, from the 1930s onward he also designed a number of furniture lines with inspiration from the Bauhaus movement.
This armchair stands as evidence of why many Danish architects succeeded at the craft of furniture design. The precision of the structure and the cord weaving is evident at first glance, showing great geometric order. Driven by function, Schlegel’s focus on practicality, structural stability, and a design in favour of these principles can be observed in the straight lines and absence of excess decoration. He saw possibilities in the aesthetics of modernist design and materials, becoming one of the first architects in Denmark to experiment with concrete in architecture - the use of the underrated material of paper cord is therefore no surprise. Noteworthy for its durability, paper cord is also beloved for its functional and aesthetic qualities. This material became an important material in the Danish Modern period of the 1940s and 1950s. The woven or basket form of the seat of this chairs has a tight, visually pleasing pattern in great condition. This armchair has an equally arresting beech structure that shows great craftsmanship, and would make a lovely addition to any interior.
Extremely modest and confident at the same time is how this piece can be best described. The most renowned Danish designers of the era preferred to work with traditional and natural materials, but also liked to experiment with new techniques; the resulting models - such as this chair - are Danish Modern classics.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has minor scratches and discoloration.
Dimensions:
23.23 in W x 26.77 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat height 15.16 in; Seat depth 22.05 in; Arm height 20.47 in
59 cm W x 68 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm; Seat depth 56 cm; Arm height 52 cm