designmuseum danmark celebrates 100th anniversary of hans wegner

wegner: just one good chair
designmuseum danmark, copenhagen
from april 3rd to november 2nd, 2014

the designmuseum danmark celebrates the 100 years since hans j. wegner by showcasing an extensive overview of his furniture portfolio, presenting all aspects of his creative process – from drawings to photos and models. standing as an influential figure in organic modernsim, wegner helped define the aesthetic and craftsmanship of danish design as we know it today.

PP501, the chair, 1949

considered one of history’s most prolific designers, wegner conveyed a particular skillfulness in the chairs that he conceived, producing over 500 during his career. his approach saw a particular sensibility towards understanding the logic and potential of wood, his chosen material, proving that the old virtues of artistry, such as detailing, sensuality and use of natural materials were still relevant in a modern world. so, while his work was not retrospective or romantic, it maintained a certain timeless poetry through rational forms and functionality he employed through it.

PP56-68, the ultimate chair by hans j. wegner for PP møbler,1987

‘wegner: just one good chair’ highlights more than 150 original pieces, offering an overview of his entire design process. the inclusion of drawings, models and photos gives viewers a better understanding of his working methods and vast oeuvre. visitors are invited to sit on and experience over 50 newly produced wegner-pieces, which are presented along side films and furniture by some of his contemporaries such as charles and ray eames, finn juhl, arne jacobsen and mies vander rohe; offering a comprehensive presentation of some of the finest wooden furniture made.

PP550, peacock, 1947

throughout his career, wegner aimed at improving old chinese and english chairs, as well developing furniture in line with the design aesthetic of the time; working towards simplifying and beautifying these seating concepts in a way that enhanced their artistic expression, while simultaneously considering their suitability for industrial or mass production.

PP550, peacock, 1947

the exhibition tells the story of how and why wegner and danish design made such an impression in the 1950s throughout america, and the rest of the world; and what differentiates design from american, german and italian. ‘just one chair’ looks extensively at the practice of hans j. wegner, the continued success of his furniture in our present day, and the significant impact he has made on so many international designers.

the swivel chair by hans j. wegner for PP møbler, 1955