48 Chair

The 48 Chair is part of the 48 Series which was presented at the Cabinet Makers’ Guild Exhibition in 1948. Even to the modern eye it is clear that Finn Juhl's ideas reached far into the future, when they were presented in 1948. He never let his innovative designs stand alone but rather opted for creating a so called "Gesamtkunstwerk" - a German word, which means entirety experienced and achieved through even the smallest of details. Finn Juhl's stand at the Cabinet Maker's Guild Exhibition was thus a fully designed work.

In 1948, the Danish newspaper Politiken wrote the following review about Finn Juhl and Niels Vodder's stand "The Study of an Art Collector":
"... The collaboration between Vodder and Finn Juhl is not a new one. They have participated at the (Cabinetmakers' Guild) Exhibitions with increasing success for years now. But this year they have managed to reach a new level, best classified as a new school of design."

It is House of Finn Juhl’s finest task to ensure that Finn Juhl finds his place in the modern reality - in respect of the original legacy. For this reason we decided to relaunch the 48 Chair (and Sofa-Bench) because of the original design and fine details.

The 48 Chair is easily recognizable because of Finn Juhl's characteristic and sculptural shapes and delicate details. The chair embrace the seated person while the rounded surfaces are shaped to fit the gravity of the resting body and its proportions. The organically shaped seat and backrest, upholstered in fabric or leather, are raised from the carrying frame in an almost demonstrative manner. Visually this lifts the seated person, making it appear as if the law of gravity has been defeated.
Additionally, the 48 Series is characterized by the use of multiple materials. Today, it is rare to see furniture that employs two different types of wood. This type of contrast has been left almost entirely to Finn Juhl despite the many years that have passed. The 48 chair is available in oak with armrests and toes in teak and a version entirely in walnut. The chair is upholstered with either fabric or leather.