Scandinavian Chairs from 1961: Avant-Garde Design and Timeless Appeal

In modern furniture design, Scandinavian stylists have long been at the forefront, setting global aesthetics trends. The year 1961 saw the emergence of several avant-garde chairs from Denmark, exemplifying Danish designers’ innovative spirit and craftsmanship. While some pieces were too extreme for large-scale manufacture and came with a hefty price tag, they nonetheless pointed to trends that would eventually permeate mass-produced furniture with more accessible styling and cost.

The Price of Craftsmanship

Although the custom-crafted chairs of 1961 commanded prices starting at $200 ($1880 today), often soaring much higher, they offered unparalleled craftsmanship and unique design. For connoisseurs of chair styling, these pieces were worth the investment, each bearing the stamp of individual Danish designers whose reputations were top drawers in the field of furniture.

The Hanging-Basket Chair by Nana and Jørgen Ditzel

One of the standout pieces from this era is the wicker hanging-basket chair designed by Nana and Jørgen Ditzel. This chair is priced at around $325 ($3055 today) and combines novelty with a dreamy tropical appeal. The foam rubber cushion seat, level with the chair rim, supports the sitter upright, while the chair can swing like a hammock, offering a unique and relaxing experience. The Ditzels’ design captures the essence of Scandinavian innovation, blending functionality with a whimsical aesthetic.

Jørgen Wolff’s Futuristic Lounger

Another notable creation is the futuristic lounger by Jørgen Wolff. Inspired by the traditional rocking chair, Wolff reimagined it using new materials such as ash wood with plaited fabric or leather covering. This design encourages the sitter to stay awhile, with a pillow that fits comfortably into the back of the neck. Wolff’s lounger exemplifies how Scandinavian designers fused classic elements with modern materials and forms to create familiar and forward-thinking pieces.

Hans Olsen’s Airy Teak and Rattan Chair

Hans Olsen’s contribution to the 1961 chair lineup is an airy design featuring a teak frame with woven rattan. This chair, designed to support the back and legs, has cushions in various colours. Olsen’s work highlights the Scandinavian emphasis on natural materials and ergonomic comfort, which has remained influential in furniture design.

Arne Jacobsen’s Iconic “Egg” Chair

Perhaps the most iconic chair from this period is “The Egg” by Arne Jacobsen. Positioned on a criss-cross cast aluminium stand that allows for slight give, this chair ranges in price from $300 to $600 ($1,880 to $3,055 today), depending on the covering. Jacobsen’s design is a masterclass in combining sculptural form with practical function, offering both visual appeal and comfort. The Egg chair has become a symbol of modern design, epitomizing the innovative spirit of its creator and the era in which it was conceived.

Reflecting Trends in Mass-Produced Furniture

While these avant-garde chairs from 1961 may have seemed outlandish, they pointed to trends that would eventually influence mass-produced furniture. The use of new materials, ergonomic designs, and a focus on aesthetic and functional elements are now common in contemporary furniture. The visionary work of Danish designers like the Ditzels, Wolff, Olsen, and Jacobsen continues to inspire and inform modern furniture design, making their 1961 creations as relevant today as they were over six decades ago.

Sources

Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.), 02 April 1961. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045462/1961-04-02/ed-1/seq-150/

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