Leather Swan armchair, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1958

Description

Leather Swan armchair, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1958

The iconic Swan armchair was designed by Arne Jacobsen and made by the Danish manufacturer Fritz Hansen in 1958. This example comes from the first production series. The armchair was created as part of Jacobsen’s comprehensive project for the SAS Royal Hotel (now Radisson Collection Royal Hotel) in Copenhagen. The armchair’s soft, organic lines are the result of the designer’s artistic approach to design and an innovative technology whose rights Fritz Hansen secured in the 1950s. This technology allows furniture to be shaped from rigid foam material and offers more possibilities than wood. This is how Jacobsen’s best-known designs—the Swan, Egg and Drop chairs—were created, combining modern technology, fine craftsmanship and the designer’s uninhibited vision. The armchair has been reupholstered in high-quality genuine leather in a chocolate-brown colour with a visible grain. The swivelling four-spoke base is made of chrome. Swan frequently appeared in Arne Jacobsen’s comprehensive architectural projects, including the library of St. Catherine’s College in Oxford, dating from 1964, and the cathedral-like lobby of the National Bank of Denmark.

Arne Jacobsen lived from 1902 to 1971. He was the best-known post-war Danish designer and architect. He graduated from the School of Applied Arts in 1924 and studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1927. He received the C. F. Hansen Medal and the Grand Prix at the 11th Milan Triennale. Jacobsen’s most famous project was the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, for which he designed every detail, from fabrics and lamps to cutlery and furniture. The AJ lamps, designed for the Royal Hotel and manufactured by Louis Poulsen, are an excellent example of his streamlined and elegant style. The famous Egg and Swan chairs were also designed for the Royal Hotel. Gradually, Jacobsen’s designs became increasingly modern and simplified, while remaining rooted in the Danish architectural tradition.

Fritz Hansen, also known as Republic of Fritz Hansen, is a Danish furniture company whose history began in 1872 in Nakskov. From the outset, Fritz Hansen and his son Christian placed an emphasis on the high quality of their furniture, a hallmark that continues to this day. The company’s long list of commissions during its first fifty years in business confirms this. At the beginning of the 20th century, Christian Hansen began experimenting with steam-bending beechwood, while in 1915 he created the first laminated chairs, which became the company’s speciality. Arne Jacobsen completely dominated the company’s output in the 1950s. He began collaborating with the company as early as 1934, but the breakthrough came when he created the laminated Ant chair in 1952. His subsequent designs—the Series 7 (1955), Swan (1958) and Egg (1958), designed for the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen—became milestones in the history of Fritz Hansen and are still produced today.

The armchair is in very good condition. The upholstery has been renewed. The seat is 39 cm high. The original maker’s mark is included with the armchair (it comes from the original leather upholstery, which was completely destroyed over time). The leather has natural creasing.

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