October 12, 2008

Poul Kjærholm

One of the most recognized craftsmen from the modern period in Nordic design is Poul Kjærholm. Kjærholm career spanning 32 years during which he designed and produced several furniture, mostly chairs and tables. Kjaerholm began his career with an apprenticeship with a Danish cabinet-maker, followed by a course in furniture design at Kunsthåndværkerskolen in Copenhagen.

PK25 by Poul Kjærholm

The combination of his skills as a carpenter and the knowledge acquired in the school's industrial design module (which was taught by Jørn Utzon) was clearly shown in the chair, PK25, which was his thesis. The angular aspect of the chair with its curved feet made for a striking silhouette and success followed shortly. PK25 was brought into production by E. Kold Christensen, who became a good friend of Kjærholm.

PK25 was the result of a successful combination of steel and linen. Kjærholm reused the concept in his PK24 chaise longue, where the metal provides strength and ductility of a seemingly fragile design.

In my opinion, Kjærholm most sålende and interesting design is neither a creation of solid wood or steel. It is PK0, a two-piece plywood chair that steals the show. Unfortunately it was never in production for the designer's life. Fritz Hansen began producing a limited run until 1997, seventeen years after Kjærholm death. The chair has a startling shape that is striking from all sides and angles, and reminds me of Hans J. Wegner CH07 chair with three thin legs. The contours and the solid black shape it creates, seems to be taken directly from the work of Juan Miró . PK0 is stately and elegant (surprisingly for only a few sheets of plywood) and inspires a feeling that the chair is forced to bend their knees by its own weight. It is not surprising that such a sculptural chair is not put into production at that time - it requires attention to all the places where it is placed and is therefore difficult to sell.

PK0 - Kjaerholm

The most prestigious highlights of Kjærholm career was his acceptance of Lunning Prize 1958 (for PK22 easy chair) and also received his Milan Triennale Grand Prix 1957 and 1960.

Despite the great success derived from a range of innovative designs came Kjærholm be most famous for PK22, a relatively unremarkable chair made of leather and steel. It takes me, however, to seeing many copies and imitations of PK22. Also, I think the diagonal stitching on the upholstery destroys the shape of the chair. Stolen raise a concern and at first glance, I will think of something between a grasshopper and a stubborn schnauzer.

PK22 - Kjaerholm

Many have compared Kjærhoms work with Kaare Klint Le Corbusier , which is a fair comparison when much of Kjærhoms material and aesthetic forms between these two, despite his love of design to mass production. Kjærholm is rightly remembered as one of the Scandinavian masters of contemporary design. The understated elegance that is embodied in his design is all you need to see to realize that you're watching a classic.