Known as the “Master of Chairs”, Hans Wegner was one of the most influential and leading figures around interior design through the 1940s to 1960s. His most iconic and recognisable work is often to be considered what’s simply called “The Chair”. When used in the 1960 US election debate between Kennedy and Nixon, the Chair’s (and Wegner’s) fame exploded.

It was far from his only work. Throughout his life, Wegner designed over 500 chairs, with 100 of those going into mass production. Combining a prolific productivity with an unmistakable eye for interior design, some of Wegner’s other best-known works included the Ox Chair, the Wing Chair and the Shell Chair.

Given the opportunity early in his career to work for Arne Jacobsen, Wegner was able to refine his skills under another of Denmark’s leading designers. His talent was undeniable, and after several years he established his own workshop and started designing his “Chinese” chairs, which would lead to another of his most popular pieces, the Wishbone Chair.