The Very Beginning
Ever since we, Hans Henrik Sørensen and Ivan Hansen, opened our first office in the basement of Hans Henrik’s mother’s home in 1990, our journey has been guided by a profound passion for exceptional furniture design. We envisioned a company rooted in the cross-section where functional design, meticulous craftsmanship, and artistic expression converge. Little did we know that this vision would lead us to one of Denmark’s most fascinating design legacies—that of Finn Juhl.
In 1999, our journey took a pivotal turn when we were approached by Finn Juhl’s widow, Hanne Wilhelm Hansen. She invited us to recreate one of Finn Juhl’s designs for a commemorative exhibition. Already admirers of his work, we were deeply honored by this opportunity. At that time, we could not have imagined that this collaboration would evolve into a lifelong mission to protect, develop, and pass on Finn Juhl’s legacy.
It marked the beginning of a collaboration that culminated in 2001, when Hanne Wilhelm Hansen entrusted us with all rights to produce Finn Juhl’s designs, and OneCollection’s activities branched out. This was not only a declaration of trust but also a milestone that has shaped our work and company ever since.
For us, venturing into Finn Juhl’s design universe has been like embarking on a joyful journey with constant surprises in terms of shapes, aesthetics and unique design details.
Protecting the Legacy
Safeguarding Finn Juhl’s designs requires more than technical expertise or commercial insight; it demands an empathetic understanding of his philosophy and artistry. Finn Juhl’s designs are deeply organic, often shaped by collaborative dialogues with skilled cabinetmakers of his time. Each piece carries nuances—subtle variations born from craftsmanship and Finn Juhl’s willingness to adapt his original sketches during the creation process. These complexities mean that no two vintage pieces are identical, and this is why our approach must be equally thoughtful and meticulous.
When relaunching a piece of Finn Juhl’s furniture, we delve into his original drawings and examine surviving pieces from his home, private collections, or museums. His drawings reveal not only his creative genius but also the evolution of his ideas, from initial sketch to final visualization. However, there are times when the drawings leave questions unanswered, requiring us to imagine what Finn Juhl himself would have done. This interpretive work is among the most challenging aspects of our role but also one of the most rewarding. It allows us to stay true to the essence of Finn Juhl’s vision while ensuring his designs remain relevant and accessible to new generations.
Over the past two decades, we have worked tirelessly to relaunch more than 50 of Finn Juhl’s iconic pieces. Through this process, we have come to feel a profound connection with him. Although we met Finn Juhl only once in our youth, his spirit seems to guide us as we navigate decisions about his designs. It is as if he accompanies us on this journey, helping us stay confident in our work and true to his legacy.
Looking ahead, Finn Juhl’s lifework is a treasure trove of unique designs, many of which are yet to be explored and brought to life.
– Hans Henrik Sørensen, Co-founder of House of Finn Juhl
Investing in Excellence
When we were granted the exclusive rights to produce Finn Juhl’s furniture, it also came with the responsibility of honoring a profound legacy, one that demanded the utmost respect—only the finest craftmanship would meet Finn Juhl’s standards. We quickly succeeded in locating the most skilled Danish upholsterers to hand-sew pieces like the Poet Sofa and the Pelican Chair. However, finding a workshop capable of crafting the more intricate wooden pieces, such as the Chieftain Chair and the 45 Chair, proved to be a greater challenge. Several manufacturers were tested, but either their quality fell short, or they demanded that very large quantities were to be produced at a time, which wasn’t an option. It’s crucial to emphasize that Finn Juhl made bespoke furniture and even today the production is based on individual orders.
The solution came from Japan, when a good friend of the company recommended a small, yet extremely competent, workshop in Yamagata, Japan. The decision was not without concerns, as Ivan Hansen, co-founder of House of Finn Juhl, explains:
“At first, we doubted that this would be feasible, as it was likely to become too complicated and expensive. It is of the utmost importance to point out that Japan is not the country to choose if you are looking to obtain cost advantages. Quite the contrary. However, the passionate joiners in Japan work without compromise. When producing sculptural furniture with delicate details we could not wish for a better partner. Their hearts beat to achieve the sublime, and they manage this by combining craftsmanship with modern technology.
The Japanese have a deep understanding for using technology to obtain strong and precise joints of the delicate wooden materials, so that the Finn Juhl furniture remains durable for generations to come. At the same time, they are proud and conscious when it comes to the advanced craftsmanship, which is crucial for the organic shapes of Finn Juhl's furniture.”
Alongside our existing workshop in Ringkøbing on Denmark’s West Coast and our partners in Yamagata, we recently invested in a family-owned workshop in Vejen, South of Denmark. Being one of the few remaining workshops still producing high-quality solid wood furniture, the acquisition has provided us with invaluable insight and expertise. As a result, it has enabled us to bring some of the more intricate models back from Japan, and we are continuously working to enhance the skills of the craftsmen so they can produce more of Finn Juhl’s designs locally in the future.
The Japanese Connection
The connection between Japan and Denmark is central to Danish design, as both countries share a strong tradition of craftsmanship and a mutual passion for uncompromising quality. House of Finn Juhl’s affiliation with Japan goes back many years—and Finn Juhl’s even further.
Finn Juhl was deeply inspired by Japan, and in turn, the Japanese have shown great interest in Finn Juhl throughout the years. In fact, the largest single collection of Finn Juhl furniture is found in Japan. This collection belongs to Japanese professor and furniture collector Mr. Noritsugu Oda, who also knew Finn Juhl personally.
Today, Mr. Oda remains a dear friend of House of Finn Juhl, and together with the Finn Juhl production in Japan, he represents a strong connection to the country. Oftentimes, when a new piece of furniture is to be relaunched, it is loaned from Mr. Oda’s collection to compare it with Finn Juhl’s original drawings, ensuring the best and most authentic result.
The History Behind Our Showroom
The building which houses our showroom is nothing short of historical. Since 1879, it has been the home of music trading and publishing in Copenhagen. Through five generations, the Wilhelm Hansen family has run a music publishing house, note printing business and a sheet music shop from here. The Wilhelm Hansen Music Publishers were the biggest in all of Scandinavia and grew to become synonymous with the treasure of Danish music.
From 1960 and until his death in 1989, Finn Juhl and Hanne Wilhelm Hansen were a couple. Hanne Wilhelm Hansen and her sister, Lone, were both 4th generation successors to the Wilhelm Hansen Music Publishers.
