Mid-century furniture by Poul Kjaerholm (Denmark)

Poul Kjaerholm (1929-1980) was a Danish furniture designer known for his significant contributions to the mid-century modern design movement. Born on January 8, 1929, in Oster Vra, Denmark, Kjaerholm's work exemplified a fusion of functionalism, minimalism, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Kjaerholm initially trained as a carpenter before studying furniture design at the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts from 1949 to 1952. After graduating, he worked as an apprentice for the Danish furniture manufacturer, E. Kold Christensen. In 1955, he began teaching at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts..

During the 1950s and 1960s, Kjaerholm gained recognition for his furniture designs, which were characterized by their clean lines, simple forms, and use of industrial materials such as steel, leather, and glass. He drew inspiration from the modernist principles of Bauhaus and embraced the Scandinavian design ethos of functionalism.

One of Kjaerholm's most iconic designs is the more... PK22 lounge chair, which he created in 1956. The chair features a slender steel frame and a comfortable seat made of leather or canvas. It became a classic of mid-century modern design, celebrated for its elegant simplicity and timeless appeal. Another of his notable creations was the PK80 daybed, designed in 1957. The daybed showcases his expertise in combining form and function, with its minimalistic frame and luxurious upholstery, providing both comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Kjaerholm's furniture designs were often characterized by their meticulous attention to detail, innovative use of materials, and a harmonious balance between form and function. He believed in using materials in their purest form, often leaving them exposed to reveal their natural beauty.

Throughout his career, Kjaerholm collaborated with renowned Danish manufacturers such as Fritz Hansen and E. Kold Christensen, who produced many of his iconic designs.

Poul Kjaerholm's career was cut short when he passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 1980, at the age of 51. less...