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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

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‘Danish master cabinetmaker’ or “snedkermester” has become a commonly used term for Danish furniture makers, even though the expression is quite exclusive and only applies to certain craftsmen. Frits Henningsen is justly one of the most renowned master cabinetmakers, with this pair of easy chairs illustrating why.

The typical elements of Danish modern furniture, the straight lines, the clear design, had developed with time, starting on the long path from the historical style that was still predominant in the 1920s. Architect and furniture maker, Frits Henningsen had a significant role in paving this path. As an active member of the Cabinetmakers Guild from 1927, he was admired by his peers for the high quality of his craftsmanship. The shape of this chair model shows Henningsen’s opposition to the younger designers in the 1940s who preferred strictly straight lines. Henningsen on the other hand, believed furniture design needed to maintain curvature which contributed to a homely look. These easy chairs were designed in this period and feature the uncompromising designer’s personal axioms: a simple, timeless look that retains its own formal language. Accordingly, the frames are nothing short of the highest quality, covered in a premium fabric that shows off the elegant curves. The exotic wood legs are fluted with square ends and carved indents. They are perfect against the simple, light upholstery and gently rounded lines of the bodies.

Henningsen viewed quality craftsmanship as the most important element of his work, making it his focus when developing new furniture. Unlike other cabinetmakers, Henningsen always created his own furniture pieces, and these chairs are no exception, being true Danish snedkermester pieces.‎‎

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

24.8 in W x 28.34 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Arm height 23.22 in

63 cm W x 72 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Arm height 59 cm

About the Designer:

Frits Henningsen (1889–1965) was a Danish furniture designer and master cabinetmaker (a term he preferred himself), who led a team of cabinetmakers in central Copenhagen. As an active member of the Cabinetmakers Guild from 1927, Henningsen became a major driver of the furniture exhibitions of the period, gaining recognition for the high-quality of his craftsmanship and his vibrant personality.

Many of Henningsen’s pieces were crafted in exotic woods such as palisander and mahogany. All his furniture was handmade in line with traditional, labour-intensive methods from the 19th century. His pieces are noted for their elegance, above all, for the soft curves in the arms of his chairs and sofas, demonstrating his traditional approach, aiming to combine style and comfort.

In 1942, Henningsen started distancing himself from the younger designers of the day who increasingly used straight lines in their work, believing furniture design needed to maintain curvature which contributed to a homely look. Unlike many other designers, Henningsen didn’t experiment with a wide range of different styles, instead went with his own distinctive style, creating a body of work that is instantly recognizable and much-loved. ~H.