Carl Hansen & Son reissues Poul Kjærholm’s PK1 dining chair

Furniture brand Carl Hansen & Son has reissued the first dining chair by Danish designer Poul Kjærholm put into production.

The PK1, which was originally released in 1955, has a minimal steel frame with an arched back. The lightweight seat is made from lengths of rope that are wrapped around the metal base.

Carl Hansen & Son – which has reissued several high-profile pieces of furniture including Frits Henningsen and Hans J Wegner chairs – updated the design in partnership with Kjærholm’s family, adapting the furniture’s dimensions to suit today’s larger and taller humans.

“While very simple in all its details, the PK1 is unquestionable brilliant in its expression, and the chair’s woven seat makes it very comfortable, as it gently moulds to the body and provides support where it is needed,” said the brand’s CEO Knud Erik Hansen.

The original PK1 design, which was Kjærholm’s first dining chair, was launched at the beginning of the Danish designer’s career and reflects his penchant for steel.

Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kjærholm went on to study furniture design at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen – where he continued to teach until his death in 1980. His designs are included in museum collections around the world, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

His work has been the subject of renewed interest of late, with Architectmade releasing a marble bowl based on Kjærholm’s previous designs, and Fritz Hansen reissuing a limited edition lounge chair and coffee table.

Carl Hansen & Son is releasing the PK1 alongside an updated version of Kjærholm’s PK52 tables, which have reversible laminate tops.

“The addition of the PK1 chair creates a new dynamic for the table series,” Hansen told Dezeen. “The new laminated versions allow the table to serve as a dining table with the PK1 chairs around it.”

“I believe that the PK1 serves as a testament to Kjærholm’s ability to marry a unique understanding of steel and halyard in a beautiful timeless form,” he added.

“Also we are certain that today’s customers will appreciate that the PK1 offers great seating comfort while taking up relatively little space around the table – perhaps an even greater advantage in today’s homes than in those of the 1950s.”

The chair is available in chrome or black powder-coated steel versions, with white or black woven seats. An outdoor version is also on offer, made from stainless steel and weather-resistant rope.

Carl Hansen & Son was established in 1908 as a furniture workshop in Odense, Denmark by Carl Hansen. It found international fame in the 1940s for producing designs by Danish designer Hans J Wegner, particularly his much-loved Wishbone Chair.

Read more

• Furniture
• Design