Sixty years ago, the late, great Danish designer and carpenter Poul Kjærholm created two of his most iconic pieces: the 'PK61' coffee table, and the 'PK22' lounge chair. Now, fellow Danish design firm Fritz Hansen has modernised them to form a new anniversary set that will be exclusively available from the brand's London flagship.
The new designs stay true to Kjærholm's original visions, but have been subtly updated with a fresh material palette, in line with the designer's aesthetic. The 'PK22 Anno 2016' edition makes use of the same steel frame of Kjærholm's 1956 original, enhanced by the addition of an electroplated anthracite finish. The reflective shine adds a submetallic lustre, well-balanced against the stark, industrial feel of the frame.
Designed by Kjærholm to pair naturally with the 'PK22' lounger, the 'PK61' coffee table completes this special remembrance set. Again, the steel frame has been coated with a modernised anthracite surface, topped with a thick slab of much-coveted Petra marble, characterised by its dramatic sea-grey colouring and lightning-white veining.
In respect of Kjærholm's commitment to creating enduring furniture, both pieces are designed to age elegantly. The luxurious nubuck leather that covers the 'PK22', with its velvety texture, will become smoother, shinier and lighter as years pass; while the Petra marble of the 'PK61' is easy to maintain thanks to its durability and low-absorption composition.
If Fritz Hansen's raison d'etre is to 'craft timeless design' – as its mantra suggests – it has achieved it here with this respectful, yet decidedly 'of the moment' reworking of two 1950s classics.
Although the frames and shapes remain largely unchanged, Fritz Hansen has reworked the materials of both the 'PK61' coffee table and the 'PK22' lounge chair (pictured)
The 'PK61' coffee table (pictured) has been coated with a reflective anthracite surface, topped with a thick slab of much-coveted Petra marble
In respect of Kjærholm's commitment to creating enduring furniture, both pieces are designed to age elegantly
If Fritz Hansen's raison d'etre is to 'craft timeless design' as its mantra suggests, it has achieved it here with this respectful, yet decidely 'of the moment' reworking of two 1950s classics
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Republic of Fritz Hansen website
Photography courtesy Fritz Hansen\
ADDRESS
Republic of Fritz Hansen
13–14 Margaret Street
London, W1W 8RN
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