Hans Jorgensen Wegner
Widely celebrated as one of the foremost figures of 20th-century design, Hans J. Wegner (1924-2007) was a master of modern Danish furniture. Often referred to as the “Master of the Chair”, Wegner designed over 500 chairs during his prolific career, many of which have become enduring icons of modern design.
Wegner trained as a cabinetmaker before studying at the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts, where his deep respect for craftsmanship was matched by an equally strong commitment to functionality. His work is characterised by elegant simplicity, sculptural form, and the seamless integration of traditional woodworking with modernist principles.
Among his most celebrated designs are the Wishbone Chair (1949), the Round Chair (1949) - famously used in the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate - and the Shell Chair (1963). Each piece reflects Wegner’s philosophy that furniture should be both beautiful and comfortable, demonstrating his ability to reduce a design to its most essential elements without compromising on warmth or humanity.
Today, Wegner’s work is held in the permanent collections of leading museums worldwide, including MoMA in New York and the Design museum Danmark in Copenhagen. His designs remain highly sought after by collectors and continue to influence contemporary makers, a testament to his enduring vision of craftsmanship, comfort, and timeless design.
