Although there is little to no historical information available regarding the manufacturer E. Kold Christensen or the man himself, the company itself was instrumental in furthering Danish industrial designer Poul Kjærholm’s career. The pair formed a partnership and friendship that lasted over two decades, producing some of Kjærholm’s most well known work.
The first successful piece produced by the partnership was a minimalist chair that is reminiscent of Mies van der Rohe’s famous Barcelona Chair (1929). The PK22 (1956), which was designed from a single sheet of steel, was an instant commercial success launching both the designer's and manufacturer's careers. In 1957, the chair won the Grand Prix at Milan’s Triennale. Famous designs from this fruitful partnership include Kjærholm’s PK61 coffee table (1955), PK80 daybed (1957), PK33 stool (1959), PK9 Tulip Chair (1961), and the wicker and steel PK24 chaise longue (1965).
Kjærholm and Kold Christensen worked closely together until the untimely death of the former in 1980. The pieces produced from this period are highly sought-after and sell for soaring prices. In 1982, Fritz Hansen took over the production and sales of The Kjærholm Collection, which includes designs developed from 1951 to 1967. In 2007, Fritz Hansen added to the collection, with the PK8 side chair and PK58 dining tables, neither of which had previously been in production.
