Ilse Crawford Dresses Hans J. Wegner's Earliest Design In New Colours. Carl Hansen and Son's First Masterpieces Reimagined.
To celebrate Hans J. Wegner's enduring legacy and more than 70 years of collaboration, Carl Hansen & Son have partnered up with acclaimed London-based designer, Ilse Crawford, to develop a new colour palette for a limited-edition release of the first chairs that Wegner created for Carl Hansen & Son in 1950.
The visionary 'First Masterpieces' collection includes five of Hans J. Wegner's most iconic chair designs. Among these are the world-renowned CH24, also known as the Wishbone Chair, and the woven CH25 lounge chair, which have been in production at Carl Hansen & Son for more than 70 years. On this occasion, Ilse Crawford has dressed the masterpieces in five earthy shades that give a fresh perspective to the collection. The environmentally friendly, water-based colours all have a slightly transparent finish, which allows the chair's original oak wood grain to shine through, creating a nuanced sense of colour and texture.
Left to right: CH26 in 'North Sea', CH25 in 'Seaweed', CH24 in 'Pewter', CH22 in 'Slate' and CH23 in Falu.
‘We wanted to develop a set of colours that reflect the times we live in, and we believe these subdued and muted tones will resonate with a contemporary audience. We were inspired by the paintings of the late Danish artist, Per Kirkeby, whose interest in nature and geology was brilliantly manifested in his work. These are not easy, trend-driven or standard decorative colours, but ones that add depth and complexity to any interior.' – Ilse Crawford.
‘The muddy, painterly tones nod to the raw beauty of the Nordic landscape and they are intended to work both as a group and independently. "Colour is so closely tied to our emotions, to our mood, and we think these subtle tones will contribute to the creation of a warm, relaxed and natural environment’. – Ilse Crawford.
CH25 in 'Seaweed' and 'Falu'.
CH23 in 'Falu and CH26 in 'North Sea'.
CH26 and CH23 in 'North Sea'.
CH22 in 'Slate'.
CH25 in Seaweed.
The Carl Hansen First Masterpieces by Ilse Crawford are availble to order in store and online now.
Each Masterpiece is available in a choice of 5 colours selected by Ilse Crawford - North Sea, Seaweed, Pewter, Slate and Falu, with natural papercord. Colour samples are available to view in store now, with the collection arriving in showrooms mid-May. Stay tuned for updates.
More than 70 years of collaboration.
Hans J. Wegner and Carl Hansen & Son began working together in 1949, and after an intense year of working with some of the most skilled artisans, the CH22, CH23, CH24, CH25 and CH26 chairs were ready to be launched in 1950. The five designs have very different expressions yet are all bearing Wegner's unique fingerprint and emphasis on impeccable craftsmanship.
