Fritz Hansen modernises Poul Kjærholm's 'PK22' and 'PK61'

Brown chair next to a stack of books and a small table

Sixty years after being introduced, Fritz Hansen has updated two of Poul Kjærholm furniture classics, in a special anniversary set available exclusively at its London flagship

(Image credit: Fritz Hansen)

By Elly Parsons

published 30 June 2016

in Features

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.

Brown lounge chairs opposite a coffee table — 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)

Petra marble coffee table — The 'PK61' coffee table (pictured) has been coated with a reflective anthracite surface, topped with a thick slab of much-coveted Petra marble

Top view of a brown lounge chair and a coffee table and a name engraved wooden block — In respect of Kjærholm's commitment to creating enduring furniture, both pieces are designed to age elegantly

Close view of the brown leather lounge chair — 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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Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.