Poul Kjærholm

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

The combination of his skills as a carpenter and the knowledge gathered in the school's industrial design module (which was taught by Jørn Utzon) were clearly in the PK25 chair which was his thesis. The aspect angle of the chair with her feet bent out a striking silhouette and success followed soon. PK25 was brought into production by E. Kold Christensen, who was to become a good friend of Kjærholm.

In my opinion, most Kjærholm 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. I was never in production during the designer's life. Fritz Hansen began producing a limited edition only in 1997, seventeen years after Kjærholm death. The chair has an amazing form that is striking from all sides and angles, and reminds me of Hans J. Wegner CH07 chair with its three thin legs. Contours and the solid black shape it creates, seems to be taken directly from the work of Juan Miro . PK0 is stately and elegant (surprisingly for only a few sheets of plywood) and gives the feeling that the chair have to bend your 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.

Despite the great success from a series of innovative designs come 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. I think also that the diagonal stitches on foam destroying the shape of the chair. The chair, however, raises an interest, and at first glance, I will think of something between a grasshopper and a stubborn schnauzer.

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

Links for Poul Kjærholm:

• He did just fine furniture
• Arts: Mr Kjærholm - møbelarkitekt
• In Louisiana, shown visiting an exhibition on the Danish architect Poul Kjærholm.
• PK22 became tegnet of Danish Poul Kjærholm, kjent for its elegant og modernist style.
• Poul Kjærholm leksikon
• 60s sitter
• Jørn Utzon 90 years

Other blogs: Danish furniture , design , PK , PK24 , Poul Kjaerholm , Poul Kjærholm