It is shocking to think of Finn Juhl designing this sculptural chair in 1940 – that was 71 years ago, and the Pelican Chair is still “out there” by today’s standards. With graceful curves that befriend the body and wrap the sitter in its embrace, the Pelican is true to Juhl’s idea that “a chair is not just a product of decorative art in a space, it is a form and a space in itself.” And while the influence of contemporary sculpture is clear, Juhl was quick to clarify that “furniture is furniture, not sculpture.” The upholstery is hand sewn onto the frame; some colors (see below) are finished with tufted buttons. This original is an authentic, fully licensed product of Onecollection, House of Finn Juhl™. Made in Denmark.
Colors with tufted buttons: grey with red cushion and red buttons; teal with light blue cushion and light blue buttons; and cream with leather sand cushion and leather sand buttons.
Colors without tufted buttons: tan with brown cushion (no buttons); charcoal with grey cushion (no buttons); plum with plum cushion (no buttons); cream with cream cushion (no buttons)
Materials
Steel frame molded in hard cellular plastic/MDI; walnut legs; 100% canvas/linen bottom cover; 100% recyclable Pantera foam with fiber cotton and water-based latex glue; hand-sewn double-stitched upholstery.
FABRIC A (Grey/Red): Kvadrat Remix (90% new worsted wool, 10% nylon) FABRIC B (Plum and Teal/Blue): Kvadrat Divina (100% wool). FABRIC B (Tan/Brown and Charcoal/Grey): Kvadrat Divina Melange (100% wool). FABRIC B (Cream): Kvadrat Hallindal (70% wool, 30% viscose). FABRIC C (Cream/Sand): Hallingdal (70% wool, 30% viscose) with leather seat and tufted buttons.
When you look at the graceful shapes and sensual curves of Finn Juhl's work, you may be shocked to realize that he designed these pieces 60 to 70 years ago. A pioneering force in his own country, Finn Juhl is also credited along with fellow Danes Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Borge Mogensen and Poul Kjaerholm for introducing Danish modern to mid-century America.
Although he initially wanted to become an art historian, his father persuaded him to attend the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts School of Architecture. By 1934, he had a prestigious position with architect Vilhelm Lauritzen, and explored the functionalism movement by creating clean, geometrical buildings like the broadcasting house Radiohuset, a pinnacle of Danish architecture that now houses the Royal Danish Academy of Music. Read more >
