The PP503 chair, also known as the round chair, is one of Hans J. Wegner’s best-known and most successful designs. It perfectly embodies the principles of Scandinavian design. It is simple, attractive, functional and made from sustainable resources. This is how the Round Chair became the archetype of Nordic furniture, earning Denmark a reputation as the international capital of furniture design.
Story
Hans J. Wegner, also known as “The Master of the Chair”, designed the round 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. His outstanding work helped establish his home country as the international leader in modern design.
The PP503 chair was introduced in 1949 and originally manufactured by Johannes Hansen Møbelsnedkeri A/S. A year later, the chair came into the limelight when it caught the attention of American Interiors Magazine, which became the first to feature a foreign design. This was the beginning of the great international breakthrough of Danish design. Today the chair is commercially available under the PP Mobler brand.
design
The Round One, as Wegner called the PP503, was designed as a lightweight, sculptural replacement for the heavy, fully upholstered dining chairs popular at the time. It embodies the essence of the Danish woodworking and design philosophy. To this day, the well-known organic design remains true to Wegner’s original sketches and drawings.
A light, attractive and comfortable dining chair that speaks for everyday practicality. It feels just as modern today as it did half a century ago. A superb example of Wegner’s constant pursuit of organic simplicity to create sculptural beauty, comfort and outstanding stability. The PP503 chair is further proof that Hans J. Wegner was way ahead of his time when it came to designing wooden furniture. The chair’s minimalist and no-nonsense appearance suggests that it’s relatively easy to manufacture, which is far from the truth. The chair requires perfect craftsmanship and a thorough understanding of woodworking. The manufacturing process requires over a hundred steps performed by skilled artisans to bring this classic to life. The chair stands on four cylindrical, dowel-like wooden legs that are slightly tapered at the top and bottom. All four legs serve as supports for the strikingly curved backrest. It is made from three pieces of wood, which are then joined together to form the distinctive rounded shape that protrudes far enough to support the arms. The seat shell of the PP503 is covered with foam padding that can be upholstered in either fabric or standard leather – both available in a range of colours. The round chair is also available with the woven seat shell. This version of a chair, called PP501, is available in oak and ash finishes with soap treated clear bio-oil, white bio-oil and lacquer finishes. and in cherry and walnut in clear organic oil and lacquered finishes. The standard upholstered PP503 is available in the following oak, ash and cherry finishes: soap treated, clear bio-oil, white bio-oil and lacquered.
The overall look of the armchair is extremely attractive and stylish. The elegant, sublime design coupled with the impeccable quality of craftsmanship have given the chair a very special place in the history of interior design. This timeless piece of furniture still looks fresh and appealing and makes a great, tasteful addition to any contemporary interior.
