The Beloved CH 445 Wingchair By Hans J. Wegner
Danish designer Hans J. Wegner is widely regarded as one of the most innovative furniture designers of the 20th century. His organic, sculptural forms helped define mid-century Danish design and immensely influenced modern furniture. Wegner’s 1960 CH 445 Wingchair is considered one of his most iconic and coveted pieces. Let’s explore the story behind this groundbreaking chair.
Wegner’s Inspiration and Early Sketches
The initial sketches for the CH 445 reached back to the 1950s when Wegner became fascinated by the form of seated eagles. Their wings folded around their bodies inspired the distinctive, enveloping shape of the chair’s backrest. Wegner also found inspiration in Viking shield chairs with low, winged sides wrapped around the sitter.
After years of contemplating how to combine the embracing warmth of wings with the lightness of Danish modernism, Wegner began carving wooden models for the design. It took meticulous refinement to perfect the flowing shape and balance of the chair.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Wegner partnered closely with master cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen to bring the CH 445 to life. Hansen was an ideal collaborator with his expertise in shaping wood. Together they worked to resolve challenges like suspending the seat on the frame and achieving the right structural strength and stability.
The team settled on using a hand-woven paper cord wrapped around a laminated hardwood frame. The material gave the chair both strength and lightness. The natural texture and warmth of the paper cord softened the minimalism of the design.
| Fun Fact | It takes a skilled craftsperson about 8 hours to weave the paper cord onto the frame of each CH 445! |
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An Immediate Sensation
The CH 445 caused an immediate sensation when it was launched in 1960. The dynamic, winged form felt boldly original yet somehow ancient. The way the chair embraced the sitter’s body was an innovation that evoked instant emotional resonance.
Magazines and prominent designers heaped praise on the chair. Many confessed they had never sat in such a comfortable lounge chair! One critic raved, “No words can do justice to this masterpiece.”
An Enduring Classic
Over 60 years since its debut, the CH 445 remains a pinnacle of Danish mid-century design. Its shape has become iconic and recognizable worldwide as a masterwork of form and comfort. While inspired by the past, it points to the future of furniture design.
The CH 445 is handmade in limited numbers each year by Carl Hansen & Son, Wegner’s partner. It represents countless hours of skilled artisanal labor. As a result, the chair comes with a luxury price tag starting around $2,000. For design lovers, it’s an investment in artful furniture that’s built to last generations.
Collectors and design aficionados covet vintage models. At auction, they can fetch upwards of $10,000, a testament to the chair’s status as an enduring classic. The CH 445 can be found gracefully presiding over living rooms in homes, museums, films, and TV shows as a symbol of Danish modernism.
Wegner’s Legacy
The story of the CH 445 Wingchair provides a window into Hans J. Wegner’s immense contributions to modern furniture design. His humanistic focus on form and comfort created organic, sculptural pieces that appeal emotionally.
Wegner’s seamless integration of tradition and innovation paved the way for Danish design’s worldwide popularity. Much of mid-century Scandinavian minimalism owes a debt to Wegner’s groundbreaking vision. His winged lounge chair remains a sublime embodiment of his legacy.
Design
The CH 445 Wingchair is a lounge chair instantly recognizable for its curved lines and sculptural form. It features a wide seat and backrest that provide ample support, while the distinctive “wings” on either side of the backrest give the chair its name and offer a sense of privacy and enclosure.
The chair’s frame is made from solid wood and is available in various finishes, including oak, walnut, and cherry. The seat and backrest are upholstered in leather or fabric, and the chair also includes a removable cushion for added comfort.
One of the unique aspects of the CH 445 Wingchair is its attention to detail. The chair’s legs are positioned at an angle to create a sense of dynamism, while the slightly tilted backrest and curved armrests provide a comfortable, ergonomic seating experience. The chair’s construction also emphasizes craftsmanship and durability with its solid wood frame and hand-sewn upholstery.
History
Hans J. Wegner originally designed the CH 445 Wingchair for Carl Hansen & Son, a Danish furniture manufacturer. The chair was part of a series of designs that Wegner created for the company in the 1950s and 1960s, which included other iconic pieces such as the CH24 Wishbone Chair and the CH33 Chair. The CH 445 Wingchair quickly became a favorite among design enthusiasts and furniture collectors.
Since its introduction, the CH 445 Wingchair has remained in continuous production and has been updated over the years to reflect changing tastes and trends. In 2006, for example, Carl Hansen & Son introduced a limited edition version of the chair with a stainless steel frame, while in 2020, the company introduced a new version of the chair with a higher backrest and larger wings.
Appeal
The enduring appeal of the CH 445 Wingchair lies in its combination of form and function. The chair is a beautiful example of mid-century modern design, with its clean lines and natural materials, but it’s also incredibly comfortable and practical. The chair’s unique shape and construction make it a versatile piece that can be used in various settings, from a cozy living room to a modern office. And its timeless design means that it will continue to look beautiful and relevant for years to come.
Conclusion
Hans J. Wegner’s CH 445 Wingchair is a classic example of mid-century modern design that has remained popular and relevant for over 60 years. With its distinctive shape, attention to detail, and emphasis on craftsmanship, the chair is a beautiful, functional piece of furniture with enduring appeal. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or simply looking for a comfortable and stylish lounge chair, the CH 445 Wingchair is a timeless choice to enhance any interior.
Available at Aram.co.uk
