Day 3 - POUL KJAERHOLM

"I consider steel a material with the same artistic merit as wood and leather"

Graduated from Copenhagen's Schooel of Arts and Crafts in 1952.  He designed furniture primarily for E. Kold Christensen but also did a few designs for Fritz Hansen.

Best known for the "PK25" chair. Its minimal steel structure combined with a thin wicker seat. 

He won many awards for this inventive design.

"PK20" chair.

"PK61" coffee table.  Satin finish stainless steel with tempered glass.

What really fascinates me about him, is he had two very different modes of design.  The architectural ie. the PK 25 chair, sometimes made with cane, canvas or leather, and the more sculptural forms like the PK20 chair and the PK9 chair (not shown) which was more like artwork.

Fritz Hansen took over the manufacturing rights for most of his work, although PP Mobler also has some of Kjaerholm's designs in production.  Precise manufacturing is required for his work, so the prices are HIGH!

All images: Courtesy of Fritz Hansen