A Timeline of Arne Jacobsen’s Most Iconic Chairs
WHO IS ARNE JACOBSEN?
Arne Jacobsen is a world-renowned designer from Copenhagen, Denmark. Known particularly for his forwardthinking, free-flowing shapes, Jacobsen was one of the defining figures of the Danish mid-century modern design movement. His work today is recognisable all over the world and his timeless designs remain popular as ever to date. In 1934, Danish Furniture company Fritz Hansen began collaborating with Jacobsen, and the rest is history.
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1
ANT DINING CHAIR
As its name suggests, the piece resembles that of an ant head. The Ant’s distinct curving shape is made from layers of pressure moulded veneer, Jacobsen’s first that would become a big success with Fritz Hansen.
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2
SERIES 7 DINING CHAIR
Potentially one of the most copied designs in modern furniture today, the piece builds on the foundations of the Ant and expands. Simple yet effective, this pieces defining curvaceous form is what makes it iconic.
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3
SERIES 3300 LOUNGE CHAIR
The Series 3300 is the first of many designed specifically for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Originally intended for the Air Terminal, the piece offers a contrast to Jacobsen’s usual free-flowing shapes.
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4
GRAND PRIX DINING CHAIR
Drawing on the framework of the Ant and the Series 7, Jacobsen experiments his pressure moulded veneer with a wooden base. Named after the Grand Prix, the highest distinction that the chair was awarded at the Triennale in Milan where it was first exhibited.
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5
EGG LOUNGE CHAIR
Perhaps Jacobsen’s most iconic and recognisable piece, the Egg Chair needs no introduction. It’s high arching back is a design icon that has become instantly recognisable. Another piece originally for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the Egg Chair’s presence remains there today.
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6
SWAN LOUNGE CHAIR
The Egg Chair’s smaller brother, both pvieces were designed in the same year, yet again for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. A smaller, more understated design in comparison to the Egg Chair, it is just as graceful and elegant.
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7
DROP DINING CHAIR
Another piece for Copenhagen’s SAS Royal Hotel, the drop chair was originally placed at the dresser in each bedroom. Said to be Jacobsen’s favourite chair among his many designs, it’s minimal silhouette offers a stark contrast to his more flamboyant designs such as the Egg.
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8
LITTLE GIRAFFE DINING CHAIR
Intended for the restaurant of the SAS Royal, the Little Giraffe is an evolution of the Giraffe Chair. With a high back and padded armrests, it is comfortable to sit on for long periods of time at the dinner table.
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9
POT LOUNGE CHAIR
The final chair in this list intended for the SAS Royal, the Pot is a mid-century modern take on the classic lounge chair. Featuring a wide seat and a rounded back, the piece offers a welcoming presence and a distinct shape.
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10
OXFORD OFFICE CHAIR
Designed by Jacobsen for professors at the University of Oxford, the piece has become one of the most iconic and popular office chairs of the last century. With an ergonomic shape that supports the back effortlessly, this piece beautifully merges style and comfort.
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11
OKSEN LOUNGE CHAIR
The Oksen Lounge chair has a striking expression and commanding presence – characterised by its harsh lines and sharp edges. Heavily contrasting to his usual style, the Oksen is the largest and perhaps controversial piece he has ever designed.
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12
LILY DINING CHAIR
Jacobsen’s last chair for Fritz Hansen, the piece was created for Denmark’s national bank. Drawing inspiration from the Series 7, the pieces curving form offers a comfortable place to sit alongside a striking aesthetic.
TIMELESS DESIGNS FOREVER
The result of Arne Jacobsen’s collaboration with Fritz Hansen went on to inspire the next generation of designers. As a significant part of Scandinavian design heritage and cultural signifigance of his native Denmark, his inventive pieces sent ripples across the design world. Although he sadly passed away in 1971, just a year after creating his Lily Dining Chair, his designs will forever be treasured as a piece of important design history.