Signature Chair FH429 🇩🇰 Carl Hansen

FH429 Signature Chair Carl Hansen & Søn Frits Henningsen, 1954

The FH429 Signature chair was designed by Frits Henningsen, a cabinetmaker who held his profession to very high standards. Henningsen always made his own designs and often started by creating a small model - in this case, using modeling clay and toothpicks. The structure was then fabricated in his workshop in Copenhagen, undergoing months of testing and fine-tuning before Henningsen was satisfied.

The Signature armchair, a classic from the 1950s, is also the last piece of furniture designed and manufactured by the designer. After the armchair was completed in 1954, less than 20 pieces were produced and it was not until 2015 that Carl Hansen & Søn was able to reintroduce the design.

The simplicity of Henningsen's work has grown over the years and the Signature Armchair is the most perfect example of this, being his most streamlined design. His interest in comfort and elegance through the use of graceful, curved lines is evident in this final project. Its soft, inviting shapes and floating armrests create a simple, organic shape that invites quiet contemplation.

The Signature FH429 armchair is available in oak, walnut and can be accompanied by its FH430 footstool for more comfort.

Dimensions chair 67 x 89 x H102 cm – seat height 41 cm, armrests height 47,5 cm

Dimensions footstool 59 x 55 x H40 cm
Frame solid oak
Seat and backrest plywood, fire-resistant cold foam, fabric or leather upholstery

FH429 Armchair – Oak
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Footstool – Oak
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FH429 Armchair – Walnut
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Footstool – Walnut
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oiled oak + leather Loke 7110

white oiled oak + leather Sif 98

oiled walnut + leather Sif 98

oiled walnut + leather Sif 95

oiled walnut + Divina Melange 777 (price group 4)

▸ wood & finishes

▸ fabrics & leathers

Frits Henningsen

Recognized as an uncompromising designer, Frits Henningsen saw quality craftsmanship as essential and, unlike most cabinetmakers, always designed his own furniture.

In 1911, at the age of 22, Henningsen (1889-1965) completed his cabinetmaking apprenticeship with one of the most recognized cabinetmakers of his time, I.P. Morck. He then traveled across Europe to gain experience and inspiration, working in Germany, France and Britain before returning to Copenhagen in 1915. He then opened his own furniture store, s relying on customer feedback to better understand demand and improve production processes.

As a member of the Cabinetmakers Guild of Copenhagen, Henningsen became a major driving force in furniture exhibitions of the day, gaining recognition for his perfectionist style and vibrant personality. He gave new expression to traditional designs by drawing inspiration from French Empire, Rococo and 17th century British furniture.

Henningsen was strongly influenced by Kaare Klint, one of his teachers at the technical college. The competition between them has led to a constant renewal and reinterpretation of furniture craftsmanship on both sides. For Henningsen, it was the piece of furniture - not its creator - that deserved center stage. This is one of the main reasons why his designs never achieved the same popularity as those of some of his contemporaries.

Henningsen's more functional style of design developed from historical inspiration to simpler, timeless workmanship that remains relevant today. His work is rooted in classic craftsmanship with a design expression that has broad appeal - a combination embodied in his Heritage Chair and his final design, the Signature Chair.

FH429 Signature chair – Carl Hansen