Hans Wegner

Welcome to another up-close look at an important 20th Century furniture designer. Up this week is Hans Wegner, a celebrated figure in his own time. Today, he is one of the most respected designers of his generation. His iconic designs for furniture, and in particular his chairs, are recognized as benchmarks of mid century modern furniture. Wegner is an important contributor to Organic Functionality, a subset of Danish design. His designs seek to refine chairs to their most important parts. In his own words, Hans Wegner aim was to purify the chair to its simplest elements.

Beginnings

Hans Wegner was born in southern Denmark to a cobbler. Early on his life, he apprenticed to a cabinetmaker. He soon discovered a natural affinity for wood that helped him determine early on his course in life. After serving in the military, Wegner studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts and the Architectural Academy located in Copenhagen.

It was there, in the capital of Denmark, he was first exposed to the careful blend of craftsmanship and innovative design that are hallmarks of Danish modern furniture. He was deeply inspired by furniture he was seeing at the Carpenter’s Guild Furniture Exhibits. Soon, Wegner joined the Danish Design School to pursue his dreams of creating new designs with wood.

Success in Denmark and Abroad

Wegner’s first employer was Arne Jacobsen. During this period, he designed the chairs for Aarhus City Hall. He soon started his own company. He found support for his work with distributor for sending that allowed his work to travel overseas. Soon, Hans Wegner’s work was well known around the world. His style of wood furniture drew its inspiration from traditional Chinese furniture, Danish cabinet-making, and the clean lines and curving forms of organic life. Perhaps the greatest moment of visibility for Hans Wegner came at the Kennedy-Nixon debates in 1960. The first ever televised debate featured the presidential candidates sitting in Hans Wegner designed chairs.

It’s important to note how much range can be found in the designs of Hans Wegner. Although primarily known for his work with wood, he was equally comfortable designing in a range of materials. Consider the flag halyard chair. Made from a combination of metal, sheepskin, and rope, this chair was dreamed up by Hans after a trip to the beach and put into production in 1950.

Later Life

Hans Wegner continued to design throughout his life. For instance, the popular Hoop Chair was introduced in 1965. Wegner was celebrated and recognized in his lifetime. He received numerous awards, including being appointed honorary Royal designer for industry by the Royal Society in Arts based in London. Wegner only retired from designing in the last decade of his life, ultimately passing away in 2007.

Want to learn more? Then check out these quotes by Hans, including this gem:

“The good chair is a task one is never completely done with.”