PK22 Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather & Brushed Steel by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, 1950s, Set of 2

Model · PK22
Designer · Poul Kjærholm
Manufacturer · Fritz Hansen
Origin · Denmark
Period · 1950s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Danish Modern
Materials · Brushed stainless steel, aniline leather
Colour · Cognac, brushed steel

Object

PK22 seems to exist somewhere between furniture and structure. Two slender pieces of steel rise from the floor and hold a continuous surface of leather between them. There is almost nothing else. The chair is made from tension, proportion and the empty space that Kjærholm deliberately left untouched.

Designed in 1956, PK22 turned steel into something unexpectedly quiet. Kjærholm treated the material with the same sensitivity other Danish designers reserved for wood, allowing its precision to sit against the warmth and natural irregularity of leather. As a pair, the chairs become almost architectural — two low horizontal planes floating above the floor, rigorous from a distance and deeply tactile when approached.

Designer

Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) began as a cabinetmaker, but became fascinated by a material that sat outside the familiar world of Danish furniture: steel. Where others saw something industrial and cold, Kjærholm saw structure, light and extraordinary precision.

His furniture was reduced with almost architectural discipline. Connections became visible, materials remained themselves and every unnecessary gesture disappeared. Yet the result was rarely severe. Leather, cane, marble and wood softened the geometry, creating objects balanced somewhere between industry and craftsmanship. PK22, designed while Kjærholm was still in his twenties, became one of the clearest expressions of that philosophy.

Manufacturer

Fritz Hansen was founded in Copenhagen in 1872 and grew from a cabinetmaking workshop into one of the defining manufacturers of Danish modern furniture. Its collaborations with architects and designers helped bring Scandinavian design into an international world, combining industrial production with an unusually high level of material and technical precision.

Fritz Hansen later became the custodian of Poul Kjærholm's collection, continuing a body of work in which steel, leather and extraordinary restraint transformed furniture into something approaching architecture.

Condition

The brushed stainless-steel frames are beautifully preserved, while the cognac aniline leather upholstery has been lightly refreshed without removing its natural character and patina. Both lounge chairs remain in excellent vintage condition. As with any authentic vintage pieces, subtle traces of age and previous use may be present, adding to their history and individual character.

Dimensions

Width · 62 cm / 24.4 in
Depth · 63 cm / 24.8 in
Height · 71 cm / 28.0 in
Seat height · 33 cm / 13.0 in

Included

The lounge chairs are 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 lounge chairs can be ready to ship within 10-15 workdays.

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.

© Back to the Furniture