Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Set of Four Dining Chairs

Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of four dining chairs, fabric, mahogany, brass, Denmark, design 1928, made 1950s

These dining chairs were designed in 1928 and made in the 1950s. The seat and backrest are upholstered in a fabric distinguished by its black and rouge red striped pattern. Referred to as the Red Chair, they were originally conceived for the lecture hall of the Danish Art and Design Museum. Gustav Falck, the director of the National Gallery of Denmark, possessed a collection of antique English chairs in the Chippendale style dating back to circa 1750-1760. In September, the museum borrowed the "finest" chair from Falck's collection, that Ole Wanscher would examine. This research served as inspiration, leading to the completion of the design and the final model by Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier in November 1927. Subsequently, Klint adapted the chair for his sectional tables, stimulating the need for smaller variations, available in three sizes and with or without arms. Furthermore, these chairs gained international acclaim when they were exhibited at the World Exposition in Barcelona, earning the prestigious grand prix medal in 1929. As a result of this recognition, they became known as the 'Barcelona Chair.'

The origin of the Red Chair stems from its Niger goatskin, which was tanned and dyed red using earth dyes by local villagers. For Klint, this chair marked the beginning of his exploration into firm padding, accompanied by the essential use of upholstery nails. These nails, meticulously spaced at a width akin to that of a nail, serve as a deliberate visual representation of the skin's attachment. Simultaneously, the rows accentuate and define the chair's inherent lines and form. This detail is a clear example that fits well with Klint's idea on structure in his other work, showing how things fit together simply and clearly.

Kaare Klint (1888-1954), born in 1888 in Frederiksburg, Denmark, was a Danish architect and furniture designer. From a young age, Klint was immersed in architecture. His father was the well-known architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint (1853-1930), who is mainly known for designing the Grundtvigs church in Copenhagen. After studying at the P.S. Krøyer’s Art School from 1907, Klint made his debut as a designer. That year, the Association of Furniture Manufacturers in Copenhagen announced that they would hold a competition for furniture design. Klint submitted, together with Ivar Bentsen (1876-1943), under a code name and together they received first price. In 1924, Klint helped establish the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. As associate professor, and later professor, he inspired some of the greatest and most well-known Danish designers, including Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) and Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971). Klint worked and thought along a few strong principles being the importance of former styles. He believed that the only way forward was to have a deep knowledge of craftsmanship. One of his other core principles was to research functionality and have an outstanding sense for proportion, space and the human body. Overall, Klint drew inspiration from the Shakers, Chippendale and Biedermeier. Kaare Klint's style from the 20s and 30s has had a lot of influence on other designers in both Europe and the United States. Amongst others Børge Mogensen (1914-1972), Finn Juhl (1912-1989) and Poul Kjærholm (1929-1980) have taken influence from Klint. Therefore, Kaare Klint can be seen as the father of Danish mid-century design.

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