An early production Vintage Danish Mid Century Poul Kjaerholm PK22 Lounge chair in polished steel and cognac leather for E. Kold Christensen.
 
PLEASE NOTE - this item has now been sold. If you're looking for something similar please get in touch and we'll do our best to help. 
 
Originally designed in 1956 the PK22 stands out as one of Kjaerholm’s most lauded and recognised designs. Inspired by the both the ancient ‘Klismos’ Greek chair design and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, it features legs that are angled in opposite directions to provide a strong but light frame. The frame is constructed from bent steel bar and has a simple elegance that originates from his graduation project, the ‘Element’ Chair. This chair, also known as the PK25, had a frame made from a single piece of steel and this was adapted in the PK22 to be formed from additional parts to lower production costs.
 
The chair was an immediate commercial success and critical acclaim followed when in 1957 the design was awarded the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale, the world's premier design fair. The prize immediately elevated Kjaerholm’s status and career and he has enjoyed this position ever since. The PK22 therefore epitomises his personal representation of discrete elegance. Thanks to its scale and flowing design, it helps to create the architectural presence of space by lowering the horizon in the room. For Kjaerholm the proportion of his designs was fundamental to how they would stand and interact with the surrounding space; and thus transcend their status as mere objects
 
A cabinetmaker by trade, he also later studied under the great Hans J. Wegner. He had a particular interest in construction materials and especially steel, which he considered a material as equally deserving of respect as the wood more commonly used in Danish design at that time. The almost weightless aspect of steel plate and the endless opportunities it allowed to combine resistance and flexibility was part of what inspired him, but it was also the aesthetic; the way that polished steel could reflect light was part of what he considered to be the designer’s artistic work. 
 
From 1982, two years after his death, the vast majority of Kjaerholm’s designs were licensed to Fritz Hansen where the PK22 is still produced to this day. However, early models were produced by Kjaerholm’s friend and manufacturing partner Ejvind Kold Christensen and are the most sought after as not just exceptional pieces of design, but also as icons of 20th Century design history. Recognised by a stylised 'EK' box form logo stamp impressed into front cross stretcher of the frame they carry a higher premium than the later FH production models.
 
This particular example benefits from the EK stamp as shown, and remains in very good original condition. Usually the PK22s of this age have worn and distressed leather and significant corrosion to the frame so it’s rare to find one in such good original condition. The frame shows small, lights spots of corrosion as expected and the leather upholstery (which appears to be hand dyed and coloured) has a wonderful patina with no holes, tears or major marks. All of this is shown on the accompanying photographs.  
 
To view a video of this chair on YouTube please click HERE
 
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