Classic Hardwood

In keeping with my previous post (sorry for the delay, by the way), I am going to continue with my theme of classic contemporary furniture.  This time it’s another chair, but wood furniture this time; the Hans Wegner Sawbuck Chair.

Born in Tønder in Denmark on 2nd April 1914, Hans Wegner was a skilled carpenter at an early age due to being a son of a cobbler who trained in the skills.  When he reached adulthood he went into design where his knowledge of wood and contruction proved invaluable. Pushed in the direction of architecture (like a lot of deigners of his era), Hans resisted and stuck with his love of designing furniture - especially chairs.  He came out with many classic pieces, including one of the first truly stylish folding chairs and the ‘Peacock Chair’, which had an overexagerated curved and slatted back which fanned out like a peacock’s plumage.

One of his most overlooked pieces, however, is the Sawbuck Chair.  It happens to be my favourite example of his work, combining form with the natural beauty of two contrasting woods.  This is why I was delighted to find out that they are now being remanufactured by the original maker exclusively for Carl Hansen and Son.  The price tag is more than a little weighty at $3,00.00 (US), but that’s nothing compared to what a mint condition original example will cost you at auction!

Designed as a reading chair, the most striking aspect (aside from the rakish angle you sit at) is the combination of such contrasting woods: North American walnut and European oak.  The combination really doesn’t sound like it should work, but as you can see by the pictures I have featured, I believe it does - beautifully.

Sadly, Hans Wegner died in 2007.  I think the last word should go to him because it sums up exactly what I like about the sawbuck chair:

“A chair is to have no backside. It should be beautiful from all sides and angles.”