Sit.Look.Listen.

Denmark’s Verner Panton has long been one of my favorite designers. While I was in design school I wrote a paper on his and Eero Aarnio’s respective work and its correlation to the world’s fascination with futurism and outer space in the 1960′s and 70′s. In my mind, each of these designer’s progressive use of shape and cutting-edge materials were the design equivellient of sending rockets into space, and in the case of Panton, many of his interiors made you feel like you were there.

So, a few months ago when I heard Verpan, the manufacturer of Panton’s lighting, was going to be manufacturing some new furniture pieces I was truly ecstatic. Vitra has long held the reigns to the classic Panton chair, the Cone series, the Amoebe, the C1 and the Living Tower but now Verpan is digging up some new items from the Panton vaults and there’s no better place to start than the much sought after System 1-2-3 chairs.

Taking 3 years to design, the System 1-2-3 chairs originally comprised 20 different models with variations in seat height, arm rests and feet. In true renegade Verner Panton form he stated “I wanted to design furniture that grows up out of the floor – to turn the furniture into something organic and never with four legs.” These chairs certainly align themselves to that credo with their conical bases and sculptural, organic form. Originally manufactured in 1973 by Fritz Hansen and named 1-2-3 after the 3 qualities of upholstery offered, System 1-2-3 chairs have long been sought after by collectors and have sold for hefty sums at auction. Now, with the re-introduction of the lounge and dining versions by Verpan, these amazing chairs are well within the grasp of everyone.

Officially licensed, and approved by Mrs. Panton herself, the chairs have been slightly updated to use foam rubber for increased sitting comfort and to ensure a tight and even upholstering. Still true to the 1-2-3 name they can be covered in either fabric, leather or deluxe tufted leather. The chairs are available in America exclusively through Design Within Reach (lucky me!) and are just the beginning of more models to come from Verpan in the coming years.

Check out some of Verner Panton’s otherworldly environments below then come see me and both versions of the System 1-2-3 at Design Within Reach – North Avenue Studio in Chicago. Not in the Chicago area? Call me at (312) 482-8661 to order yours!

The Eames Lounge and Ottoman is nothing new. It is a classic. Its in movies, T.V. shows, photo spreads, ads, etc. However, this brand new version with white base, Ash veneer shell and supple pearl MCL leather is a combination Charles & Ray Eames didn’t have in mind.

For Herman Miller, one of America’s oldest, most well respected and conservative furniture manufacturers, this is a bit of a departure. To offer this drastic of an update on a core product like the Eames Lounge and Ottoman is a serious step forward for the Michigan based company, a trend we’ll most likely be seeing from HM in the near future.

Herman Miller calls this new variation “Perfect for today’s lighter, airy interiors” and I would agree. While updated, the chair still retains its level of class and distinction and with the new leather offerings its even closer to Charles Eames’ wish for the chair to have the feeling of a well-worn first baseman’s mitt.

Purchase one for yourself through me at Design Within Reach – North Avenue Studio Chicago (312) 482-8661

I am definitely a Hans J. Wegner fanboy, but for good reason. The man was a genius when it came to designing a chair and for me it doesn’t get much better than the ‘Teddy Bear Chair’ as proof.

Originally designed for A.P. Stolen in 1951, this chair has become an enduring symbol of comfort, craftsmanship and class. Its nickname of ‘Teddy Bear Chair’ derived from a critic who had referred to its armrests as “great bear paws embracing you from behind”, but the assembly of this piece is in no way child’s play.

As early as 1953, Danish manufacturer PP Møbler began supplying the frames for the ‘Teddy Bear Chair’ to A.P. Stolen. However, the chair fell out of production in 1969. Then in 2003, as part of the PP Møbler workshops 50th Anniversary, it resumed production of this amazing chair.

Each PP19 takes at least two weeks of thorough work by Danish craftsmen who create the frame from beech, then upholster the chair using only four basic natural materials; cotton fibre, palm fibre, tow and horse hair. Only the seat cushion is made up of foam. This is truly a dream chair and one that will be with you for life. There is a very good video about the PP19, including interview footage with former PP Workshop manager Ejnar Pedersen, on their website. View it by clicking here.

Note: There is a version of this chair that has been produced by California based company Modernica since 1994 that they claim to be to Wegner’s exact specifications. However, in comparison to the current PP Møbler and original A.P. Stolen productions there appears to be some differences in scale, finishes and materials. Modernica never worked with or for Wegner on any projects and does not own any licensing to this chair.

“A chair is to have no backside, it should be beautiful from all sides and angles.”
- Hans J. Wegner

The CH25 by Hans Wegner seems simple, and it is simple…. in its perfection. A beautifully sculpted oak frame supports over 1,300 feet of paper cord that is hand wrapped by skilled artisans. This process takes 8 to 10 hours to complete just one chair. The seating angle is perfect and provides amazing comfort for lounging, reading, conversing or (like all good Americans) watching TV.

Designed in 1950 this “Easy Chair” helped to define Wegner’s style in the Danish Modern lexicon dubbed “organic functionalism.” Highly skilled and prolific, Wegner designed around 500 chairs before his death in 2007 leading many versed in furniture history to deem Wegner “The Master Of The Chair.”

The CH25 (shown here with Wegner’s CH011 coffee table) has been produced by Carl Hansen & Son since its introduction in 1950. It is a definitive classic and has influenced designs and designers for decades. Paper cord is available in natural/unbleached or black and the oak frame is available in various finishes including soap, lacquer/oil, black lacquer, white pigment oil or stain. See one (and me) at Design Within Reach – North Avenue, Chicago (312) 482-8661.

I thought I new a lot about mid-century furniture design. I knew loads about the Eames’, George Nelson, Arne Jacobson, Eero Saarinen, Harry Berotia, Verner Panton, etc.

Then I sat in this chair and realized I knew very little.

The Model 45 by Danish design pioneer Finn Juhl is unmatched in its beauty and unsurpassed in its comfort. To truly get a sense for the craftsmanship and attention to detail in this handmade chair you must experience it first hand, and I recommend you do so anytime you have the means.  The way the arm expands for resting your elbow then narrows and rises to meet your hand is simply perfect. It creates a beautiful, sculptural walnut frame that supports the seat and back creating a enveloping, slung seating surface covered with fabric or leather.

Designed in 1945, this chair was one of the first to break with tradition by freeing the seat and back from the frame. The result was an easy, elegant and tantalizing expression that would become a trademark of Juhl’s future works. This original is an authentic, fully licensed product of Onecollection, House of Finn Juhl™ and is made in Denmark. Available through me at Design Within Reach – North Avenue Studio, Chicago IL (312) 482-8661.