Hans Wegner

Hans Jørgensen Wegner (1914–2007) was a Danish furniture designer, considered one of the most creative and prolific designers of the 20th century. Often referred to as the "Master of the Chair," Wegner designed over 500 chairs during his career, many of which are regarded as masterpieces of furniture design. His most iconic works include The Chair (1949), also known as "The Round Chair" which gained international attention when used in the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon televised debates, the Wishbone Chair (Y-chair, 1950), and the Shell Chair (1963). Born in Tønder, Denmark, Wegner trained as a cabinetmaker before studying at the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts. His designs are characterized by organic forms, refined joinery, and a deep respect for natural materials, particularly wood. Wegner's philosophy was that "a chair is only finished when someone sits in it," emphasizing both comfort and aesthetics. His work helped establish Danish Modern design on the world stage and influenced generations of furniture designers. Many of his designs remain in continuous production and are held in major museum collections worldwide.