PK15 Armchair natural wood / Poul Kjærholm, 1979 - Cane seat - Fritz Hansen

Poul Kjærholm (1929 - 1980) is one of the most important representatives of Danish design. He has made a name for himself by combining artisanal tradition and mass production. Among his many awards are the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale (in 1957 and 1960), and the Lunning Award (1958). Kjærholm's creations are exhibited in museums around the world. Released in 1979, the PK15 armchair was Poul Kjærholm's last creation. His lifelong pursuit of perfection and attention to detail is evident in the simple appearance that masks his remarkably intricate woodwork. The PK15 armchair features clean lines, organic shapes and precise proportions, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to any interior. The PK15 armchair is made of steam-curved solid ash and a cane seat. Poul Kjærholm had been interested in creating such a curved-wood chair in the early 1960s, but was discouraged by the difficulties involved in making it. He took up the idea again in 1979 and finally produced the PK15. PK15 was the first pre-compressed chair to enter commercial production. During its design in the 1960s, several solutions were tried, but without succeeding in achieving the level of precision necessary for commercialisation. Production was finally taken over in the late 1970s by PP Møbler, which found new pre-compression techniques to meet Kjærholm's requirements. The PK15 is constructed of just four assembled elements: the front legs which become the armrests and backrest, the rear legs which become the backrest, a seat and a circular reinforcement under the seat to strengthen the structure. The PK15 echoes the PK12 steel armchair, designed by Poul Kjærholm in 1964. The resemblance is striking despite the contrast in materials.