Poul Kjærholm, a renowned Danish designer, is celebrated for his unique approach to furniture, particularly his innovative use of steel. His designs, characterized by the bending of sheets and rods into dynamic forms, have become timeless classics. Among these is the PK23™ Lounge Chair, a creation that embodies his early design philosophy and fascination with materials. Conceived in 1954 when Kjærholm was just 25, this piece has recently been brought to life by Fritz Hansen, showcasing his vibrant, expressive art through modern production.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Poul Kjærholm
Furniture: PK23™ Lounge Chair
Collaborator: Fritz Hansen
Material: Steel and Laminated Veneer
Era: Mid-20th Century
Revival Location: Denmark
Kjærholm’s exploration of materials was both profound and revolutionary. His early experiments with bent plywood set the stage for his later works in steel. The PK23™ Lounge Chair presents an interesting juxtaposition of solidity and delicacy, as the wide, double-seated form appears to float above the ground on slender metal legs, echoing his signature lightweight aesthetic. Delving into his influences, the chair is not just a piece of furniture but a sculptural statement, reflecting Kjærholm’s deep understanding of ergonomics and artistic expression. His approach to design was meticulous, focusing on the natural interplay of materials like wood, leather, and steel.
The unique collaboration between Fritz Hansen and the Kjærholm family was pivotal in the revival of the PK23™ Lounge Chair. This partnership allowed Kjærholm’s children to bring an intimate perspective on their father’s legacy, emphasizing the artistic brilliance embedded in the chair’s design. Thomas Kjærholm, his son, highlights the chair’s sculptural qualities and the conceptual boldness in its construction. The PK23™, devoid of unnecessary embellishments, boldly showcases its structure and material integrity, aligning with Poul’s ideology that everything should be visible, not masked by upholstery.
Kjærholm’s philosophy celebrated the constructive potential and aesthetic qualities of steel, equating it in artistic value to wood and leather. His work often transcended traditional furniture-making practices by focusing on lightness and transparency, contrasting the heavy, ornate styles of the past. This design ethos was not only about creating visually appealing pieces but also ensuring they were functionally superior. The PK23™ exemplifies this, offering elegance and comfort without the opulence or grandeur of conventional designs. This focus on refined craftsmanship and minimalist beauty aimed to elevate interior spaces, regardless of their size or purpose.
The PK23™ Lounge Chair is available in a selection of laminated veneer finishes: black-painted ash, walnut, or oak, each adding its own texture and warmth to the final piece. These variations ensure that the chair remains versatile, capable of complementing a wide range of interior aesthetics. The design also includes a double bracket connector, a thoughtful addition that both unifies the backrest and enhances the overall visual coherence of the piece. Buyers can choose between a stainless steel or black powder-coated steel base, further emphasizing Kjærholm’s commitment to offering flexibility without compromising on style.
In essence, the PK23™ Lounge Chair is a revival of Poul Kjærholm’s innovative spirit and transformative impact on modern furniture design. It captures the essence of his belief in the intrinsic beauty of raw materials and the elegance of form. By embracing the qualities of steel and wood, Kjærholm not only created functional art pieces but also challenged the conventions of his time. Through careful consideration of every detail, from the curvature of the seat to the finish of the base, the PK23™ remains an enduring testament to his pioneering vision, bridging history with contemporary design sensibilities.
