Take a Seat With Wegner’s Design Icons - From Wishbone Chair to Shell Chair

From the traditional Wishbone Chair to the ahead of its time Shell Chair, Hans Wegner chair designs embody both masterful craftsmanship and playful creativity.

Through his iconic models, many of which are still produced now, the prolific furniture designer pioneered what we today know of as Danish Modernism. He quickly became a leading light in defining the trendy mid century modern aesthetic.

In his lifetime, he originated over 500 chair designs. Here, we spotlight two of the most popular Wegner chairs, while taking a peek at the Danish master’s life.

Brief History

Hans Wegner was born in Tønder, Denmark back in 1914. When he was a child, he had a particular interest in woodcarving - starting his prolific career in 1931 as an apprentice cabinetmaker.

When Wegner reached his twenties, he studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts and the Architectural Academy in Copenhagen, following which he was approached by designers and architects Erik Møller and Arne Jacobsen to join their practice.

Wegner made Danish design known and revered internationally! Indeed, he established his own design practice in 1943 and went on to have his work exhibited in some of the globe’s leading design museums such as the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.

Wishbone Chair - 1949

Designed back in 1949, Wgner’s Wishbone Chair has been in ongoing production ever since its launch one year later. Boasting elegant geometric lines, sleek curves and a unique design, the wooden Wishbone Chair showcases a comfortably curved backrest.

With a back forming the signature Y-shape from which its name derives, the chair has become a Modernist design icon. Apparently inspired by a portrait of Danish merchants sitting in traditional Ming Chairs, the seat is handwoven natural hemp and the frame consists of solid wood with natural finish.

Shell Chair - 1963

The Danish designer created the Shell Chair,a new kind of chair when compared to his other work, for the 1963 Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen. With a sloped backrest and a wing-like seat held together in a frame standing on three legs, this piece was ahead of its time.

Indeed, its avant garde, distinctive look was adored by critics - but the public was reluctant to accept its bold design! Following mixed reviews in the 1960s, the Shell Chair, also known as the Smiling Chair, was first launched in limited production.

As it was fetching several thousand pounds at auctions, in 1998 it was reintroduced. This three legged beauty combining molded plywood and fine leather, was a bestseller since its reintroduction.Today, it’s considered a design icon and Wegner’s most innovative and progressive creations.

Last Thoughts

In our opinion,Wegner’s strongest design ever and our absolute favorite is the Shell Chair replica. Even though it took this three legged beauty 35 years before it received numerous design awards and enjoyed its popular breakthrough.

Through its superior comfort and unique silhouette, Wegner proved that he had achieved what he had set out to do - design the ideal Shell Chair! It’s no wonder this groundbreaking masterpiece celebrated its 50th anniversary! New stylish versions were released matching mid century modern aesthetics.

We hope this info truly inspires you. As you can see, the edgy Hans Wegner Shell Chair replica became a staple of Danish Modernism. Did you enjoy our post? We’d love to know your feedback. Don’t forget to visit Manhattan Home Design!