The 75th anniversary limited edition of Finn Juhl's Chieftain Chair
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the iconic Chieftain Chair, Danish brand House of Finn Juhl, dedicated to bringing the masterpieces of legendary designer Finn Juhl back to life, is releasing a limited edition series of 366 smoked oak chairs. Each chair is uniquely engraved with a date from the anniversary year, 2024, making each piece a part of design history.
Renowned for its fine craftsmanship and sophisticated design, the Chieftain Chair swiftly became a symbol of Danish Modernism upon its debut 75 years ago. Featuring a low-slung seat, an elegantly button back, and a sturdily proportioned frame crafted from high-quality wood, this chairs stands as an undisputed masterpiece of both cabinetry and design.
Originally introduced by Finn Juhl in 1949 at the annual Carpenters Guild Exhibition, the Chieftain Chair captivated the public with its organic design and substantial size. Rather than dedicating it to King Frederick IX, who was photographed alongside it, Finn Juhl chose the more authentic title of "African Chieftain Chair" for this iconic piece.
"I began drawing the Chieftain Chair one day in the spring of '49. I was at home, and I started around 10 in the morning with a sketch about 5 centimeters high - just four vertical lines connected with 'something' - and by 2-3 in the morning, I had painted it, and off it went." – Finn Juhl, Rum & Form, 1981
The anniversary edition of the Chieftain Chair features smoked oak in rich olive brown shades, a respectful nod to the original now-unavailable Brazilian Imbuya wood. Crafted by Danish master artisans using time-honored techniques, these chairs promise unmatched quality and authenticity. The dark wood finish results from a natural interaction with the wood's tannic acids, enhanced by oil treatments that provide a luxurious matte feel.
The 75th anniversary limited edition of the Chieftain Chair is inspired by the recend discovery of an original watercolor by Finn Juhl. Each chair in this special series will include a numbered print of this watercolor, complemented by the book "Lost Danish Treasure" by American architect Carl J. D'Silva. This book delves into the history, development, and influence of the Chieftain Chair on Danish design. Crafted in Denmark, these chairs are available exclusively through official House of Finn Juhl dealers.
The 75th anniversary edition is available in an exclusive range of leather finishes and can be customized according to personal taste. The engraving of a unique date on each chair adds an element of exclusivity; once a date is chosen, it cannot be selected by another buyer.
Born in 1912, Finn Juhl was a pioneer in modern Danish design, renowned for his innovative approach that skillfully blended organic forms, exclusive materials, and diverse cultural influences. His groundbreaking furniture designs quickly earned him international acclaim, notably including his work furnishing the Board Room of the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 1951 to 1952. Finn Juhl passed away in 1989, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of design.
For over two decades, House of Finn Juhl has dedicated itself to reviving the iconic furniture designs of Finn Juhl. The collection features more than 50 classic masterpieces of Danish design, each faithfully adhering to the original and crafted to the highest standards of quality and durability. Meticulously constructed from the finest materials, each piece is a testament to the skill of expert craftsmen.
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