The Swivel Chair is an uncompromising tool with comfort and ergonomics as overriding considerations. The top bar, made of solid wood and twisted like a propeller, is separated from the remaining frame and completed at the very limit of what is possible for full ergonomic advantage.
Wegner was inspired by the critique of Consultant, Professor and Doctor of Medicine Egill Snorrason PhD, which was aimed at the entire Danish design and furniture trade for not paying attention to ergonomics. In his critique, however, Snorrason had pointed out that Wegner’s Cow Horn Chair was a good example of ergonomics done right, which was taken into consideration when designing the Swivel Chair.
Like numerous other Wegner designs, the Swivel Chair was to be produced by craftsmen with not a second thought for cost-minimising industrial production.
It presents huge challenges for the joiner, the upholsterer and the blacksmith, as it demands time-consuming work that must not be compromised in any way.
Hans J. Wegner
The combined arm- and backrest, also called a top rail, is made from solid wood. The different pieces have been cut from newly felled shelter trees that are approximately 150-200 years old, the age at which most trees naturally start to decay. The cut pieces are left to dry for up to 2 years. The frame is made from silver soldered stainless steel and includes an adjustment mechanism enabling the user to adjust the height of the chair. Only the finest leather is used for upholstering the seat.
Upholstered seat
Polished stainless steel frame
Adjustable height
New wheels made of solid stainless steel with rubber tyres
Please note:
Comes in standard leather only
Limited production due to extraordinary wood sourcing and drying process
The making of our metal parts present as many challenges as the other crafts involved in making Wegner’s finest masterpieces, it is equally challenging and requires a true artisan to execute. In fabricating the base for the Swivel Chair it is necessary to solder the joints with silver.
This is a delicate chemical process that requires constant attention to the balancing of several contradicting factors. Silver soldering is extremely strong and accurate but it is only successful at very high temperatures, however, should the temperature become too high the entire work will be lost. PP Møbler primarily works with stainless steel sourced from the best European mills. We never use metal coatings like chrome or nickel but polish the surface. This is a much more time consuming process than coating and rules out the possibility of hiding any flaws. It is a manual process where every movement will influence the quality of the final result.
The two passionate professionals, Hans J. Wegner and Consultant, Professor and Doctor of Medicine Egill Snorrason PhD, engaged in a dialogue, which resulted in the Swivel Chair’s characteristic large piece of solid wood to support the lower back. Eventually Dr. Snorrason became the house doctor of the Wegner family advising in particular on back related issues.
The Swivel Chair was presented at the Cabinetmaker’s Guild’s Autumn Exhibition in 1955.
