Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Søn Unique Windsor Chair

Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Søn, Windsor armchair, beech, Niger leather, Denmark, designed and made early 1940s

The Windsor chair is a design typology with deep historical roots, originating in England in the 18th century and subsequently gaining popularity across Europe and North America. Traditionally characterized by its wooden construction, spindle back, and sturdy yet elegant silhouette, the Windsor chair has been subject to numerous reinterpretations by designers over the centuries. One such reinterpretation came in the early 1940s when Danish designer Frits Henningsen (1889–1965) was commissioned by Carl Hansen & Søn to create a modern version of the Windsor chair.

The early 1940s was a period marked by significant material constraints due to the ongoing Second World War. The shortage of upholstery materials made traditional upholstered furniture increasingly difficult to produce. As a result, Danish furniture manufacturers sought alternative designs that relied primarily on solid wood – one of the few readily available materials. In response to this challenge, Carl Hansen & Søn, one of Denmark’s most esteemed furniture makers, approached Frits Henningsen to develop a contemporary Windsor chair for their collection.
Two versions of the chair emerged from this collaboration: one that entered production, the CH18 model, and another, a prototype, that remained a one-of-a-kind experimental piece, never mass-produced.

We present the last mentioned, which is a more whimsical variation that diverged from the restrained CH18 model. It incorporated unique details characteristic of Henningsen’s individual style, setting it apart as a more artistic exploration of the Windsor chair form.

Frits Henningsen embraced the Windsor chair’s design as an opportunity to balance tradition with modernity. While Windsor chairs had long been associated with English and American vernacular design, Henningsen's approach introduced a distinctly Danish sensibility. The most defining characteristic of this prototype is the high, rounded spindle back, which follows the traditional Windsor form but incorporates a highly ornamental double-looped cut out motif at its center. The legs are more sculpted in appearance, with the feet subtly flaring outward and the upper portion of the legs being noticeably thicker. Unlike the traditional straight horizontal stretchers, this unique chair features elegantly crafted beams, including a gracefully curved central slat complemented by two diagonally positioned slats. Additionally, while traditional Windsor chairs typically have a hard wooden seat, this prototype features a removable Niger leather cushion.

The provenance of this piece is particularly compelling. The chair was used extensively by the Henningsen family until recently. The chair was part of his own collection and, subsequently, passed down to his daughter through inheritance. This suggests that the designer himself and the family valued this piece.

Biography

Danish furniture designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen (1889–1965) is known for his distinctive oeuvre, characterized by exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials. At 22 years old, Henningsen began his journey as a cabinetmaker, completing an apprenticeship before traveling across Europe to refine his skills and gain experience. In 1915, he returned to Copenhagen and established his own furniture shop. He later joined the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild, an influential annual exhibition (1927–1966) where designers showcased their latest creations and engaged in competition. This exhibition played a crucial role in the international recognition of the Danish Modern movement. Henningsen was influenced by Kaare Klint, one of his teachers, yet he developed a distinctive approach to furniture design. He firmly believed that the focus should be on the furniture itself rather than its creator. This philosophy, while admirable, is often cited as a reason his work did not achieve the same level of widespread recognition as some of his contemporaries. Nevertheless, his designs remain highly valued for their timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship.