Hans Wegner x Ilse Crawford
Carl Hansen & Søn expand their collaboration with London-based designer Ilse Crawford, presenting nine soft colours for the iconic CH24 Wishbone chair.
Carl Hansen & Son bring a new perspective to their iconic Wishbone chair.
We were delighted to be invited to visit a special immersive exhibition at Carl Hansen & Son’s Clerkenwell showroom that showcased these nine soft colours. In a gallery-esque space, every colour way was presented alongside the natural materials that inspired it, creating an eye-catching display. From Hollyhock to Pewter, join us to discover more about this special collection.
The Wishbone
A Scandinavian design icon – the world-renowned CH24 Wishbone chair was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949. Considered one of the most famous symbols of Danish design, this iconic chair has been in continuous production since 1950, coveted for generations for its elegant simplicity, organic lines, and timeless style.
Every Wishbone chair is made by hand at the Carl Hansen & Son factory in Denmark, following Wegner’s original specifications. Using only sustainable, high-quality European timber, each chair is comprised of 14 separate components and requires over 100 individual processes to ensure it is chiselled, carved, sanded, and shaped to perfection. Because of this every chair takes around 3 weeks to make and we think it’s most certainly worth the wait.
Nine soft colours for 2022
“We wanted to develop a range of colours that reflect the times we live in, and we believe these subdued tones will resonate with a contemporary audience. We are inspired by the paintings of Danish artist Per Kirkeby, who beautifully reflects his interest in nature. These are not standard colours governed by the trends of the time, but colours that add depth and complexity to any interior.” Ilse Crawford
In celebration of over 70 years of the enduring collaboration with Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Son have once again partnered with Ilse Crawford to bring a new perspective to this iconic chair. The London-based designer has selected nine new matte-colours for the Wishbone, inspired by both Danish artist Per Kirkeby and the tones of the Nordic landscape.
The nine picturesque colours include Pewter, Hollyhock, Barley, Seaweed, Terracotta, Clay, North Sea, Slate and Falu. These colours make a nod to the plants, minerals and soil that make up the raw beauty of the Nordic landscape with names that evoke a sense of place and strengthen Carl Hansen & Son’s connection to their Scandinavian roots, while also offering a new interpretation.
Eco-friendly, water-based, and resilient, each chair has a matte finish to allow the natural beauty of the FSC™-certified beech wood grain to shine through. This creates a nuanced sense of colour and texture, that subtlety changes tone alongside the light in your space.
Released individually across 9 months in 2022, the first colour to be put in the spotlight is Pewter. An opulent grey with blue undertones, Pewter’s natural tones allow it to work as an accent colour to any interior, playing well with every colour in the spectrum.
More about Ilse Crawford
“Design is a tool to enhance our humanity.” Ilse Crawford
Ilse Crawford is a British designer, teacher, and creative director with a simple mission to address true human needs and desires. She believes in creating designs that help us become better humans, by always designing for positive mental and environmental impact.
The founder of Studiolse, Crawford brings her philosophy to life designing interiors, furniture, and products that act as a catalyst for wellbeing and a frame for life. Studioilse is based in a Grade II-listed former paper factory in Bermondsey, London. This space is domestic in atmosphere with an abundance of natural materials and a beautiful kitchen at its heart – it brings the team together to foster a working culture around shared values in daily life.
More about Hans J. Wegner
“If a chair is to have no backside, it should be beautiful from all sides and angles.”
Often referred to as ‘the master of the chair’, Hans J. Wegner designed over 500 chairs during his lifetime. A champion of natural materials and the integrity of joinery, it was Wegner’s extraordinary sense of sculptural expression that earned him recognition as a pioneer of Danish modern design.
Having discovered his love of working with wood very early in his life, Wegner’s journey began as a cabinetmakers apprentice before training at the prestigious Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. Progression came as an assistant to Arne Jacobsen and he later opened his own office in 1943. Just a few years on, Wegner was approached by Carl Hansen & Son who were looking for a partner to help extend their product range.
Over the ensuing years, the partnership between Wegner and Carl Hansen & Son produced some of the world’s most iconic furniture designs, including the CH07 Shell Chair, CH20 Elbow Chair and of course, the CH24 Wishbone Chair.
Which CH24 Wishbone is your favourite? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram or Twitter at @nest_co_uk. Discover the full Carl Hansen & Son collection on our brand page.
Image credits: Max Hawley
