Carl Hansen & Son CH07 Shell Chair
Known as "the smiling chair", the Hans Wegner three-legged shell chair was initially met with mixed critical reviews as it challenged chair design conventions. After a limited production run, it was shelved. Relaunched in 1997, the Shell chair finally received the acclaim it deserved, and one was sold for $20,000 at Christie’s in London in 1999.
The iconic Shell chair is part of the Danish design movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. It embodies the movement's focus on functional and minimalist design. Designer Hans Wegner is often described as a "master of the chair". The Shell chair has three gracefully curved legs, a sculptural shell-shaped seat, and an organic shape. Its popularity is ongoing, and found in homes and museums worldwide.
MEASUREMENTS:
- Width: 92 cm / 36 inch
- Depth: 83 cm / 32.6 inch
- Height: 74 cm / 29.1 inch
- Seat Height: 35 cm / 13.8 inch
MATERIALS:
- Veneer
HELPFUL NOTES:
- In spite of its three-legged base it stands well on the floor and does not easily topple over
- Although it is low and does not feature armrests it is easy to get up from by seizing the front edge and pulling oneself up
- Please note that all wood finishes will likely experience some colour shifting as a result of exposure to sunlight
Hans J. Wegner
Denmark, 1914 - 2007
"A chair is to have no backside. It should be beautiful from all sides and angles." – Hans J. Wegner
With his love of natural materials and deep understanding of the need for furniture to be functional and beautiful, Danish architect Hans J. Wegner made mid-century Danish design popular internationally. He began his career as a cabinetmaker in 1931 and subsequently entered the Copenhagen School of Arts & Crafts. After receiving an architectural degree in 1938, Hans J. Wegner worked as a designer in Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller’s architectural office before establishing his own office in 1943.
Over the years, Hans J. Wegner designed more than 500 original chairs with many different wood types, styles, and materials. He was the undisputed master of Danish chair design. His style drew on clean, simple lines; for him, a chair was an artwork as much as a functional object. Though Hans J. Wegner designed for series production, his work is the caliber of a traditionally trained craftsman. Wegner’s most famous chairs are the Wishbone, the Wing, the Elbow, and the Shell. Most of his dining room, living room, lounge, and office designs are produced by Carl Hansen & Son and are still in production today.
In 1908, Carl Hansen founded Carl Hansen & Son. His mission? Passionate craftsmanship. The company thrives on the belief that exceptional craftsmanship and rational serial production can coexist, offering customers high-quality furniture at a reasonable price. Today, the brand remains committed to this principle.
Seamlessly integrating traditional woodworking techniques with cutting-edge technology, Carl Hansen & Son blends the best of the past and the present with long-lasting tables, seating, shelving, and more. Faithful to its inception, all designs are a testament to its commitment to quality and timeless design.
This item qualifies for free door-to-door delivery within the Continental USA and Canada, with a few exceptions:
- Orders $180 or less are charged a $35 small order fee at checkout.
- Please contact us for a quote if you are located outside of the Continental USA.
- This is standard curbside delivery; meaning the driver will not haul up an incline or up stairs, and it will be your responsibility to bring the item inside, complete any assembly, and remove packaging debris.
- For a White Glove Delivery quote which includes unpackaging and assembly, please make a note in the Comments section during Checkout and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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