The PK22: A Masterpiece of Danish Design

Danish furniture designer Poul Kjaerholm was one of the leading figures of the Danish Modern movement, and his iconic PK22 chair is a masterpiece of mid-century modern design. First introduced in 1956, the PK22 is still sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts today. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and details of this iconic chair.

Poul Kjaerholm

Poul Kjaerholm was born in Denmark in 1929 and trained as a cabinetmaker before studying furniture design at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. He later became a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, where he mentored a generation of young designers. Kjaerholm characterized his designs by their simplicity, elegance, and use of high-quality materials, such as steel and leather.

History of the PK22

The work of the German designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe inspired Poul Kjaerholm to design the PK22 chair. Kjaerholm wanted to create a chair that was both elegant and functional, and he believed that using these materials would achieve that goal. The PK22 chair is a prime example of Kjaerholm’s ability to combine form and function in his designs.

Kjaerholm’s design philosophy is embodied in this iconic design. The chair features a minimalist steel frame with a curved backrest and upholstered seat and back. The PK22 was first produced by Danish furniture manufacturer E. Kold Christensen, which closed in 1982. Danish design company Fritz Hansen, which acquired the rights to Kjaerholm’s designs in 2002, produces the PK22 today. However, some vintage PK22 chairs produced by E Kold Christensen are still available on the market and highly sought after by collectors.

Exceptional minimalist quality

The PK22 chair is a rare and sought-after piece of mid-century modern design for several reasons. First, the chair’s minimalist design and use of high-quality materials make it a timeless piece of furniture that can fit in any modern interior. Secondly, the production of the chair by E Kold Christensen was limited, making vintage PK22 chairs rare and valuable. Third, the PK22’s design is protected by copyright, making it difficult for other manufacturers to produce exact replicas of the chair. But most of all, the piece is a truly stunning addition to the decor that combines quality, comfort and style.

The PK22 chair is a masterpiece of Danish modern design that embodies the simplicity, elegance, and use of high-quality materials that characterized Poul Kjaerholm’s work. The chair’s minimalist design, production by limited manufacturers, and protection by copyright make it a rare and sought-after piece of mid-century modern design that collectors and design enthusiasts continue to covet. If you’re a fan of mid-century modern design, the PK22 chair is a must-have for your collection.

We are proud to say that we regularly have these exceptional chairs in stock. Keep an eye out on our website and maybe you will soon have a chance to acquire one of these iconic pieces!

back to blog archive