The Fireplace Chair | Finn Juhl | 1946
Originally designed for the company Bovirke in 1946, the Fireplace Chair is also referred to as the BO59. With sensual details such as the paper-knife armrest, the crossed frame, subtle buttons, and its lavish informal comfort, the Fireplace Chair is a true Finn Juhl classic. The chair is upholstered by hand in Denmark in textile or leather. The frame is available in oak, ash, or walnut.
Hallingdal beskrivelse
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Please note that the actual colours and materials may vary due to image editing and differences in screen balances and settings. The versions shown are intended to serve only as examples. We kindly encourage you to view the physical material samples at our official retailers. Learn more about our materials here: material page.
Design:
Finn Juhl
Year:
1946, relaunched in 2023
Materials:
Ash, oak or walnut
Upholstery:
Leather or textiles
Model and Dimensions:
FJ 4610
W: 65 cm | D: 77 cm | H: 81 cm
Seat height: 41 cm
Originally designed for the company Bovirke in 1946, the Fireplace Chair is also referred to as the BO59. With sensual details such as the paper-knife armrest, the crossed frame, subtle buttons, and its lavish informal comfort, the Fireplace Chair is a true Finn Juhl classic. The chair is upholstered by hand in Denmark in textile or leather. The frame is available in oak, ash, or walnut.
Design:
Finn Juhl
Year:
1946, relaunched in 2023
Materials:
Ash, oak or walnut
Upholstery:
Leather or textiles
Model and Dimensions:
FJ 4610
W: 65 cm | D: 77 cm | H: 81 cm
Seat height: 41 cm
The Legacy of the Fireplace Chair
When Finn Juhl began his collaboration with Bovirke in the mid-1940s, the alliance yielded some of his most iconic designs, including the Reading Chair, the 46 Sofa, and perhaps most notably, the Fireplace Chair—a piece that effortlessly captures the spirit of Finn Juhl's design philosophy, exuding warmth and fostering engaging conversation. It encapsulates the design traits for which Finn Juhl is famous, such as the separation between the carrying and the carried elements, while adding a playful feature in the form of a graceful cross-brace between the legs, vividly showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship.
The design for the Fireplace Chair evolved from an armchair that Finn Juhl designed in 1943 for book publisher Poul Westermann, which was crafted by Niels Vodder. The initial design featured the characteristic cross-struts beneath the seat but lacked the elegance of its successor. The version of the Fireplace Chair that Finn Juhl later designed for Bovirke, now relaunched by House of Finn Juhl, is also known as the BO59.
A Commitment to Local Craftsmanship
Once renowned as a global leader in furniture production, Denmark experienced a flourishing era of design from the late 1940s through the 1960s. With the establishment of numerous factories, Danish Modern became a globally recognized brand, securing Denmark's reputation as a design nation. However, in recent years, the Danish furniture industry has faced significant challenges, with hundreds of factories closing or relocating to countries with lower labor costs.
House of Finn Juhl is determined to reverse this trend by prioritizing local production and traditional craftsmanship. As part of this initiative, the recently re-launched Fireplace Chair is an important addition to the collection of pieces produced in Denmark, further solidifying House of Finn Juhl's commitment to revitalizing the Danish furniture industry.
Since House of Finn Juhl expanded its Danish manufacturing capacity by acquiring the century-old Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik—a solid wood furniture specialist based in the small city of Vejen—several Finn Juhl chairs have been put into production at the 8,000 m² facility, upholding a proud tradition of craftsmanship.
Currently, the majority of the Finn Juhl collection is produced in Denmark, with the company's headquarters and primary production site located in Ringkøbing. A few exclusive wooden frames are crafted by House of Finn Juhl's esteemed Japanese partner. With a steadfast commitment to preserving local production and traditional craftsmanship, House of Finn Juhl is returning to the principles that defined Danish Modern and propelled Danish furniture to worldwide acclaim over half a century ago.
Hans Henrik Sørensen, co-owner and founder, shares his thoughts on the launch and production of the Fireplace Chair:
*"With our own workshop in Vejen, we can produce even more of Finn Juhl's furniture on Danish soil. We are proud to continue this tradition and ensure that it thrives in Denmark for generations to come. By expanding our Danish production, we gain even greater control over our manufacturing processes—something we believe is crucial for the future we all face.
At the same time, we deeply value our long-standing collaboration with the talented Japanese craftspeople who handle a small yet essential and complex part of the production. For over 20 years, we have remained committed to uncompromising craftsmanship of the highest quality. It is a balanced production setup that we are truly proud of."*
