House of Finn Juhl
Rather than thinking about practical construction, Finn Juhl had the mindset of a sculptor when he shaped a piece of furniture. This way of working in the 1940s and 1950s had never been seen before. His ambition was to design furniture with movement and life. Finn Juhl took pride in making both the structurally supportive elements of the table and the seated person look as though they were floating.
Initially, Finn Juhl wanted to become an art historian. Since his early years, he has been interested in fine arts. However, his father wouldn't allow him a career in the arts. Instead, Finn Juhl enrolled at the Department of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts in Copenhagen. Finn Juhl began his studies in the 1930s, a necessary period in furniture design when modern design started to emerge. While he was still a student, Finn Juhl began working with the prominent Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen in 1934. He worked on major projects at his studios, such as the Danish Broadcasting House and Copenhagen Airport. Finn Juhl was kept so busy that he never finished his studies. Despite this, he received the honor of becoming a member of the Academic Architect Society in 1942. Later, he became a visiting professor at the Institute of Design in Chicago. At the time when he had made himself a name as a furniture designer, he would always speak of himself as being self-taught.
One of the international highlights of Finn Juhl's career was designing the complete interior of the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York between 1951 and 52.
THE BRAND
Finn Juhl’s design universe embarks on a joyful journey with constant surprises regarding shapes, aesthetics, and unique design details.
House of Finn Juhl
The 48 Chair, designed by Finn Juhl. The 48 Chair is easily recognized because of Finn Juhl’s characteristic, sculptural shapes and delicate details. The organically shaped seat and backrest are raised from the carrying frame, visually lifting the seated person, making it appear as if the law of gravity has been defeated.
House of Finn Juhl
Reading Chair, designed by Finn Juhl. In 1953, Finn Juhl designed this simple, unpretentious, yet thoroughly well-designed and visually pleasing chair. The chair is perfectly fit for private homes, hotels, restaurants and conference facilities alike. The Reading Chair is manufactured in oak with a back piece of oak and walnut or in a fully black painted version.
House of Finn Juhl
Pelican Chair, designed by Finn Juhl. His fascination for surrealism is visible in the Pelican Chair. Out of all his many designs, the Pelican Chair was probably the one furthest ahead of its time. The Pelican Chair is produced in two versions - with or without buttons. It is manufactured with a cushion and upholstered by hand in Denmark in fabric. The legs are available in oak, walnut, or black paint.
House of Finn Juhl
108 Chair, designed by Finn Juhl, was originally designed in 1946. On the surface, it looks like any ordinary dining chair. Upon closer inspection, surprising details such as angled side bars and sliding cross bars are revealed. These details add unexpected movement and dynamics to the construction. The chair is manufactured in oak, walnut, or black paint.