A Rarity in Danish Design:

In 1935, cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen introduced his wingback chair, a design that today stands as one of the most distinctive examples of Danish furniture design. Made in his Copenhagen workshop, the chair reflects Henningsen’s philosophy of uniting craftsmanship with comfort, and it remains among the rarest pieces of 20th century Scandinavian design.

With its tall back and sweeping wings, the chair offers both presence and support. The curved arms merge seamlessly into the frame, while the cabriole legs recall older traditions within Nordic furniture. Upholstered in either natural or black leather, the chair demonstrates Henningsen’s skill in shaping materials to achieve a balance of form and function.

Henningsen was unusual in that he designed and produced his own furniture. Refusing to delegate, he oversaw each stage of construction in his workshop. This limited the number of pieces he could make, and the wingback chair was produced in only around fifty examples. Each chair was shaped and stitched by hand, a process that gives them lasting quality but also explains their scarcity.

Today, this rarity places the wingback chair in a category apart. Very few remain, and those that do carry a significance far beyond their original purpose as seating. They are regarded as important works within Scandinavian modernism, linking traditional cabinetmaking to the emerging ideals of modern design.

The wingback chair has its roots in 17th-century England, where tall backs and side wings were designed to shield sitters from draughts and open fireplaces. Over time, the form softened, gaining curves and upholstery that balanced utility with comfort. Henningsen’s 1935 interpretation continues this lineage.

The 1930s marked a shift in Denmark toward functionalism and modern lines, yet Henningsen remained committed to the warmth of curved forms. The wingback chair embodies this approach. It is pared back in proportion yet inviting in its shape, a design that bridges classical elegance with the beginnings of Danish modern furniture.

The wingback chair from 1935 endures because of its rarity and the integrity of its construction. Encountering one today is to see not only Henningsen’s mastery but also a moment when Nordic design was finding its international identity. It remains a benchmark of Danish craftsmanship and one of the most sought-after chairs of its era.