Danish Vintage Arne Jacobsen leather Egg chair and ottoman set for Fritz Hansen

This is possibly one of the most beautifully finished and patinated versions of Jacobson’s iconic chair and ottoman set currently available; and if you have researched buying a set you’ll understand what I mean.

When it was first designed in the late 50’s it was based on a revolutionary new concept of using a foam shell moulded over a glass fibre reinforcement to create the now famous sculptural ‘Egg’ form – and this was also used for Jacobsen’s Swan chair at that time too as both were designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen in 1958. However, over the years the original foam used degraded and would often crumble away, which dramatically affected both the structural integrity of the design and also the appearance of the leather cover; the leather would dry out, sag and then crack where the foam support was compromised. And this was regardless of whether the chair had been regularly sat in or not, as the foam perished because of age and humidity and not necessarily because of use.

As such it’s very rare to find a chair from the late 50’s through to the late 70s that remains in a good, useable and comfortable condition – and if you do find one that has a sound foam structure and good leather cover it’s likely to have been replaced and the foam renovated; even if the listing might not mention that…

On this basis, for those ‘in the know’ the best version of the chair for comfort, durability and longevity was produced from around 1980/81 onwards (and this applies to the Swan chair too). Incidentally, the Egg chair was not originally supplied with a seat cushion, although this was a later, optional extra it’s now standard on all versions of the chair.

By the early 80s the foam and manufacturing techniques had been improved and a new tilt function had been added; the latter adding an improved degree of comfort in the recline of the chair that the originals did not have. That said, for purists, the change in the base profile from the one section fluted design (as can still be seen on the ottoman base) to the two piece column and four star pedestal was considered to be an aesthetic mistake. However, it was a necessary change as the structure of the mechanism of the swivel and tilt required a more robust and adaptable foundation. The end result of all these changes can be seen in this chair.

Here we have a chair and ottoman built in 1981 (labels and impressed FH marks and serial numbers as shown in the accompanying pictures) and one that therefore benefits from all the enhancements. As such both the leather and the foam remains in excellent vintage condition with a beautiful patina commensurate with age and use. And that’s really what one looks for in a vintage piece if at all possible as to have an early set with new leather covers defeats the object of buying vintage. The tilt and swivel mechanism still works as it should and the ottoman is a beautiful compliment to the main chair in quality and condition.

All in all it’s wonderful set – the chair on its own creates a striking silhouette and is a comforting cocoon to inhabit; but with the tilt mechanism and with the matching ottoman it’s taken to another level in comfort and style.

Dimensions

Chair
H107cm x W80cm x D80-95cm (depth varies because of the tilt function).
Seat Height: 37cm (40cm with cushion)
Arm Height: 58cm

Ottoman
H36cm x W55cm x D40cm