Wegner and the wild man

Decades of diligence

We celebrate the end of an eventful Wegner year with a wide selection of pieces by the international furniture designer, which in itself demonstrates the sheer diversity of his production: From the first drawings and experiments of his youth in the 1930s, which were then refined in the 1940s into uncompromising craftsmanship and a sense of architectural wholeness. Formative experiences that underpinned Wegner’s confident and uncompromising approach to his projects, which really became evident in the timeless lines and the major international recognition of the 1950s and 60s. 

The hand of a craftsman

The son of a shoemaker, Hans Jørgensen Wegner (1914-2014) was but a boy when he first experienced the joy of using his hands to create. Having chosen to specialise in cabinetmaking, his schooling in materials, wood species and their qualities formed a solid foundation, which he used throughout his working life.

A look at the catalogue of chairs he created tells of a versatile designer and all-round craftsman who, by virtue of his close collaboration with cabinetmakers and manufacturers, created high-quality furniture and paved the way for the tremendous export success Danish Modern was to enjoy. This success culminated in 1960 when the photograph of Kennedy sitting in “The Chair” went around the world and literally elevated Wegner to statesman level. 

Chairs for all

It can in no way be said that the international recognition went to Wegner’s head. What really mattered to him was creating the perfect chair and, like many of his contemporaries, creating good furniture that was accessible to all. The chairs for FDB are prime examples of this, and the popular, solid furniture for Getama testifies to the fact that, even though he certainly could have done so, Wegner resisted the temptation just to make exclusive furniture for the elite. 

Wood was without doubt Wegner’s favourite material, but a look at the pieces up for auction provides an insight into the tubular steel furniture that also came from Wegner’s drawing board. Among them is Model “Ge 251”, the rare folding chair with a lightweight construction that stands in striking contrast to the masculine “Ox Chair”, which we have the pleasure of offering in several different upholstered versions. 

A colourful encounter

Some would call it vandalism, others would call it welcome teasing about the distinct perfectionism in Wegner’s design. But one thing is for certain: Jens Jørgen Thorsen (1932-2000) and Hans J. Wegner seemed polar opposites when it came to their personalities: The former borne by manic ferocity, wild ideas and unruly impulses. The latter, an enduring, controlled and disciplined workhorse, who at no time indulged in frivolity. And that is perhaps precisely why Jens Jørgen Thorsen’s expressive painting of Wegner’s clean, perfect sofa comes as a breath of fresh air. One might imagine that Wegner took this happening amiss, but the ageing architect was in no way offended. Somewhere beneath it all, it was perhaps a recognition of the importance of creativity and the impulsiveness that despite being concealed in Wegner’s work, no doubt remained an underlying spark for his life-long work and his enduring curiosity. The painted sofa is from one of Jens Jørgen Thorsen’s last happenings and is being offered at an estimate of DKK 30,000-40,000. 

Versatile models

Be sure to take a second look at the “Papa Bear Chair”, the “Y-Chair”, the “Sawbuck”, the “Heart Chair”, “The Chair” and many of the other chair models with their characteristic names. They will also be joined by coffee tables and dining tables as well as a very rare table lamp from Aarhus City Hall at an estimate of DKK 25,000-30,000. 

View all the furniture up for auction here