Everything you Need to Know About the Iconic Shell Chair

The Shell Chair by Hans Wegner is, by far, the most intriguing Danish design of the 20th century.As its appeal wasn’t trivial, it's perhaps why the three legged chair wasn't an instant commercial success. It took people 35 years to truly appreciate the extraordinary chair’s unconventional form!

Compelling Story

Danish Modernism figure Wegner was a legendary furniture designer, who was passionate about chairs, earning “the Master of the Chair” nickname.He’s responsible for over 500 chair designs, most of them still produced.

Even though the Shell Chair was first introduced to the public in 1963, its compelling story dates back to 48. Back then, he experimented with an innovative process of molding laminate wood.

He introduced a prototype manufactured from molded plywood a year later, that was supported on the unique three legged base. He revived this three legged chair design in 1963 by crafting the Shell Chair, which was officially debuted at a Danish furniture exhibition.

Its futuristic, avant-garde shape made the public reluctant even if it was received well by critics. The mass production was stopped due to this misfortune, leaving only a tiny first batch available for sale.

Luckily according to Merchant & Makers, in 1997 two of the original 1963 chairs were auctioned at Sotheby’s in London, going for £20,000 each.It’s story dramatically changed!

Going back into production that same year, it immediately enjoyed a breakthrough in the furniture design industry. It was awarded a myriad of coveted design awards!

Design

The floating lightness of the Shell Chair is elegant and highly unusual. Its design embodiesWegner’sfamous credo, claiming the following: “A chair should have no rear view. It should be beautiful from all sides and angles."

Of course, the chair with its iconic curvy design looks very appealing under any angle and incredibly futuristic. The organic curves of the piece was expertly achieved by using molded plywood, a process that was pioneered by American designer Charles.

It consists of layers of walnut plywood with oak veneer molded into the desired shape. A span of the chair, with its wing like parabolic form, is a distinctive feature of Wegner’s design, giving its famous smiling appearance. The three legged base is another remarkable feature!

Its front legs are made of one piece of oak veneer laminate. Also serving as backrest support, the back leg is meticulously made in a similar way.Its front legs’ curves are extended sideways, adjacent to the curve of the sit pan. This contributes to the Shell Chair’s ductile, soft look.

Though supported on three legs, it’s extremely stable due to a low center of gravity. With a bent backwards backrest, it hints at its relaxing feel. The backrest and seat are available in a range of leathers.Even if the Shell Chair is a modern masterpiece, it’s surprisingly comfy.

Interesting Facts

Here a few interesting facts about Wegner’s iconic chair:

• Did you know 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of this smiling beauty? Pretty amazing!
• Did you know he tested many leg configurations when creating the Shell Chair?The 3 leg solution was adopted!

According to Forbes, furniture pieces with extraordinary value and extremely rare first editions that are reintroduced in the auction marketlike the avant-garde Shell Chair are prime investments.

Even if Wegner’s three legged beauty didn’t have a good initial reception, the design has been produced until today, and it can be seen in stylish homes internationally. What does this prove? Good design that wasn’t in style will never go out of style!

The Bottom Line

Merging functionality and high design, the Hans Wegner Shell Chair replica, the Danish masterpiece, is undeniably compact and comfortable, ideal for houses or tiny apartments. This design icon is gorgeous from every angle, increasing its accent capacity. That's the bottom line.

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