The CH101 lounge chair is one of Hans J. Wegner’s lesser-known, but nonetheless outstanding designs. Designed in the early 1970s, the chair was only produced in small numbers and was discontinued shortly after it was discontinued. The chair fell into oblivion for more than three decades before it was reintroduced and put into series production in 2008 to mark the 100th anniversary of Carl Hansen & Son. Hence the name of the chair – “CH101”.
Story
Hans J. Wegner, also known as “The Master of the Chair”, designed the CH101 Lounge Chair. It was his great passion for chair design that eventually made Wegner a legendary figure in Danish modernism and a world-renowned furniture designer. He created more than 500 chairs, many of which went into mass production. Wegner designed the furniture series, consisting of the CH101 and the 2- and 3-seater sofas, in the early 1970s with the Danish furniture manufacturer Johannes Hansen, who was then producing a limited number. The CH101 chair has been brought back to life by furniture company Carl Hansen & Son. Thanks to close collaboration with the Hans J. Wegner Studio, who provided Carl Hansen & Son Wegner’s original sketches and specifications of the chair from the studio’s archives, the final version of the chair was ready for mass production in 2008. This furniture design The classic produced under the new brand was immediately commercially successful and ultimately fulfilled Wegner’s basic conviction. that a chair is only complete when someone actually sits in it.
design
The shape of the chair is simple but elegant and refined. Its design embodies its creator’s famous creed: “A chair should have no rear view.” It should be beautiful from all angles and angles. “In fact, the chair, with its famous geometric shape, looks very appealing and futuristic from every angle. It feels as modern as it did nearly half a century ago. A light, attractive and comfortable lounge chair. A superb example of Wegner’s constant pursuit of simplicity to create sculptural beauty, comfort and outstanding stability. The chair shell consists of several birch wood components that are connected with dowels. The frame is then polished to give a smooth finish. The sophisticated manufacturing techniques used in production, including CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling, show very clearly why producing the chair with the technology available in the 1970s was extremely problematic and unprofitable.
The shape of the chair is reduced to the essentials, so that it appears pure and discreet. Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of the CH101 lounge chair is its skid plate, which consists of curved brushed stainless steel straps. The base ensures optical lightness and forms a balanced contrast to the spacious seat. The brushed stainless steel straps have also been used to refine the front and back of the trapezoidal armrests, underlining the chair’s sophisticated look. The high level of comfort is due to the thick, reversible cushions. They are based on a foam core surrounded by a mixture of European down and foam granules. Customers can choose between three types of leather upholstery: semi-aniline cowhide with natural grain and coated surface, cowhide or full-grain uncoated pure aniline cowhide, available in different colors. In addition to the look, the supple leather upholstery also contributes to the exceptional comfort of the chair and points to its lounge character.
Although the chair looks like a masterpiece of modern art, it is fully functional and very durable. Its elegant, exquisite design coupled with impeccable craftsmanship have given the chair a very special place in the history of interior design. This timeless piece of furniture still looks fresh and intriguing and makes a great, tasteful addition to any contemporary interior.
