Poul Kjærholm's rediscovered classic

Poul Kjærholm's PK23 lounge chair was designed in 1954 and is now being produced by Fritz Hansen. The chair represents an early phase in Kjærholm's career, when he was exploring the use of plywood and industrial manufacturing techniques. With its double-shell seat and precisely crafted metal joints, the design differs from his later furniture, which was often made of steel.

© Fritz Hansen

Originally conceived as a concept for industrial production, the PK23 was never realised. It was not until 2006 that Fritz Hansen produced a version of the chair for an exhibition at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Kjærholm's family and the company worked together to make the design ready for production, based on his original drawings.

The seat and back of the PK23 Lounge Chair are made of plywood and are available in three finishes: black lacquered ash, clear lacquered oak and clear lacquered walnut. © Fritz Hansen

The PK23 has a minimalist design. The seat shell is divided into two halves and slightly twisted to ensure an ergonomic sitting position. The metal joints remain visible, emphasising the construction method. The design does not use upholstery, instead emphasising the sculptural quality of the material.

The new edition is available in four versions: in oak or walnut with a stainless steel frame and in black ash with stainless steel or black PC legs. The chair's simple, minimalist design makes it suitable for a variety of living and working environments.

With the reintroduction of PK23, Fritz Hansen has added an earlier, lesser-known facet to Kjærholm's well-known oeuvre. The chair shows an experimental approach to the material and an early exploration of the possibilities of industrial production. NG