I am starting this thread as a possible "reference" list for chairs with rounded/ curved backrests that look like and are very often attributed to Kai Kristiansen, which is usually wrong.
I will start by posting an image of Model 26. from an Anton Dam catalogue to give you an example of the "style" of chair we are talking about.This catalogue does not give information about the maker but it does show that P. Kirkegaard is possibly the designer .See discussion here. https://designaddict.com/community/main-forum/hong-stolefabrik/
Hong Stolefabrik stamp on one of these chairs.
I am also posting an image of one of these chairs with a Dux import label to show how confusion about the maker of these chairs arises!
I hope this will give some idea of the type of information:- /images/references/ documentation that will make this thread informative and interesting .
The aspiration is to compile a list of chairs that we can be almost 100% sure of designer etc.
So with that in mind, If possible only post chairs that have a makers mark or stamp.I do realise a lot of chairs are not marked so, if you have any documentation; catalogues, brochures,adverts or sales receipts that can help confirm a designer,maker or model number,please post images .
Of course if you have a question or would like to discuss a chair, in this style, that you are not sure about or if you have any further information with regard to any of the chairs that are posted,then feel free to join the "conversation"
This is just a starting point and it will be interesting to see where it takes us!
The hope is that this does not become another ID request thread.
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Dear @lexi, thanks for opening this thread! For now I will only add the two chairs, which are definitely Kai Kristiansen. Both were made by SVA or Schou Andersen.The Compass chair (pic 1) and model 31 (pic 2). I know that there were catalog pictures somewhere in this forum, but I don‘t find them anymore. If I remember correctly, @cdsilva posted them. Maybe he can do so again? But here are the chairs.
"People buy a chair, and they don't really care who designed it." (Arne Jacobsen)
A vintage advert from 1958 for the Th Harlev ,Model 205.
Image courtesy of Loppefund wordpress.
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@herringbone the Schou Andersen abbreviation is actually VSA because it stands for Villy Schou Andersen, which was the owner’s name. I can also post catalog photos later.
Schou Andersen is still in business. Here is their history from their website: http://www.schouandersen.dk/
Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik A / S is a family owned company, founded in 1919, when Peder Schou Andersen started a furniture carpentry shop in Nørregade in Vejen.
His son Villy Schou Andersen took over the carpentry, which under his leadership grew out of Nørregade and became the furniture factory on Gestenvej.
It was in the 60s, the golden age of Danish furniture, and Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik were major suppliers of dining room furniture. Teak tables, chairs, rosewood and oak were the factory's main products, but other furniture such as armchairs and sideboards were also made.
With the current owner, Poul Schou Andersen, which is the third generation, the company has gradually shifted its focus. From primarily making furniture to the home, today's contract market is the most important.
For more than a decade, the fourth generation, the son Kennet Schou Andersen, has been responsible for the company, including total sales nationally and internationally
The word "compass" pops up a lot during searches for curved back chairs.
For this next chair we are travelling to the US.
Namely, Allan Gould's compass chair.It would seem the first models were made for Herman Miller in 1938 ( reference Trystcraft on IG from 3 years ago.
The image I am posting is from a later date. This one is produced by Allan Gould Designs Inc.and dates from the late 40's onwards. I also found a reference in a Decorative Arts issue from 1953/54. Page 55.( sorry for poor image quality; screen shot with my phone)
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I didn’t even know that one. And I learned something: The compass seems to refer to the pointed arrangement of the legs. Maybe that was obvious for you, for me it’s a new discovery. Second edit: Okay, it was obvious for you. I just learned another thing. A compass in English isn’t just the thing with the needle that always points north. Yay.
"People buy a chair, and they don't really care who designed it." (Arne Jacobsen)
During my recent dive into Henry (fka Henning) Kjaernulf I came across two chairs that fit into this category.
The first, Boltinge Stolefabrik Model 71, is attributed to Kjaernulf on the Danish Furniture Index (photo 1), and while there is no documentation to confirm that, it is at least confirmed to be Boltinge by the stamp on this example on Lauritz (photo 2).
Secondly, an advertisement for Boltinge Model 72 (photo 3) which is the only shred of evidence I can find anywhere that this chair ever existed.
I've been wanting to find my self in the fold with all of the research here, and now I can't get out.
Here's one by H.W. Klein for Bramin.
@frankielemmons Thank you! I‘ve been trying to confirm Boltinge/Kjærnulf, hope I‘ll be able to do so on a couple of days. What I especially like about your two findings is the second Boltinge one, because it shows how little adjustments were needed to circumvent the copyright. Compare to Kai Kristiansen VSA model 31.
"People buy a chair, and they don't really care who designed it." (Arne Jacobsen)
This time a visit to Sweden.
" Signum " chair by Axel Larsson. Made by Bodafors. 1963
Catalogue images courtesy of Mats Linder.
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Next stop Norway.
A design by Bjørn Engø , in collaboration with Gustav Bahus Eftf. Produced in 1953 as part of the Bahus- Engølinjen series.
Engø is better known for his "Emalox" plates,bowls etc using anodised aluminium and bright colours.
Link to Mats page for more info on this designer; quite an interesting CV.
http://www.matslinder.no/2016/05/08/bjorn-engo-allsidig-designer/
Photo courtesy of Mats Linder
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