PK22 Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather & Brushed Steel by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, 1956

Model · PK22
Designer · Poul Kjærholm
Manufacturer · Fritz Hansen
Origin · Denmark
Design · 1956
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Danish Modern
Materials · Brushed stainless steel, aniline leather
Colour · Steel, cognac

Object

The PK22 is one of Poul Kjærholm's most distilled designs, a lounge chair reduced to an exceptionally precise relationship between structure, surface and the human body.

Designed in 1956, the chair emerged from Kjærholm's fascination with steel as a furniture-making material. Rather than treating metal simply as an industrial substitute for wood, he valued its strength, surface and ability to create structures of remarkable visual lightness.

The PK22 is built around two slender brushed steel profiles that form the chair's supporting structure. Between them, a continuous surface of cognac aniline leather creates the seat and backrest, allowing the body to rest within a form that appears almost suspended above the floor.

There is almost nothing unnecessary in the composition. The steel structure remains completely visible, while the leather provides warmth, tactility and subtle flexibility. The contrast between the cool precision of brushed metal and the natural character of leather is fundamental to Kjærholm's work.

Viewed from the side, the chair reveals just how little material is required to create it. Its low profile and open structure give the PK22 an architectural clarity that allows it to occupy a room without visually dominating it, one of the reasons the design has remained so convincing since its introduction.

Designer

Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) was a Danish furniture designer whose work represents one of the most rigorous interpretations of Scandinavian modernism.

Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kjærholm later studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. This combination of traditional craft knowledge and an interest in industrial production became fundamental to his approach.

While many of his Danish contemporaries worked primarily in timber, Kjærholm developed a particular fascination with steel. He considered it a natural material in its own right, appreciating subtle variations in its surface with much the same sensitivity traditionally applied to wood.

His furniture frequently combines precisely engineered metal structures with leather, wicker, stone or glass. Rather than hiding connections and construction, Kjærholm allowed them to become part of the visual language of each object.

The PK22, designed in 1956, became one of the clearest expressions of this philosophy. Its exceptional economy of material and proportion established the chair as one of Kjærholm's defining works and an enduring piece of 20th-century furniture design.

Manufacturer

The PK22 was originally produced by E. Kold Christensen, whose collaboration with Poul Kjærholm was instrumental in bringing many of the designer's most important works into production.

Their partnership allowed Kjærholm to pursue furniture requiring exceptional precision in metal fabrication, upholstery and finishing while maintaining the clarity of his original concepts.

In 1982, Fritz Hansen acquired the production and sales rights to a significant part of the Kjærholm collection, continuing the manufacture of designs including the PK22.

Founded in Denmark in 1872, Fritz Hansen has played a central role in the history of Danish furniture, producing works by many of the country's most important designers while preserving Kjærholm's designs as part of its permanent collection.

Condition

The PK22 Lounge Chair is presented in excellent vintage condition.

The brushed stainless steel structure remains beautifully preserved, retaining the subtle surface and precise architectural character fundamental to the design.

The cognac aniline leather upholstery has been lightly refreshed while preserving its natural texture, softness and material character.

Overall, the chair presents beautifully, with the contrast between warm leather and cool brushed steel particularly well preserved.

Dimensions

Width · 62 cm / 24.4 in
Depth · 63 cm / 24.8 in
Height · 71 cm / 28 in
Seat height · 33 cm / 13 in

Included

The PK22 Lounge Chair is accompanied by a Back to the Furniture Certificate of Originality, a Back to the Furniture flyer, a Thank You card and a small gift.

Availability

The PK22 Lounge Chair is ready to ship within 10 business days.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available. Every piece is carefully prepared and packed for international transport. Shipping costs are calculated according to destination at checkout, with tracking provided after dispatch.

Enquiries

For questions about the piece, its condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

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