THE PELICAN CHAIR | GOTLAND SHEEPSKIN | FINN JUHL | 1940
Once a year, Finn Juhl's distinctive Pelican Chair becomes available upholstered in sheepskin from the Swedish island of Gotland. When dressed in this material, the chair's expression is entirely defined by nature, giving each piece a unique and individual expression. The texture of the sheepskin underscores the Pelican’s sculptural, almost animalistic form. Each chair is hand-upholstered in Denmark, with legs available in oak, walnut, or black-painted finish.
Please note that the actual colors 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:
1940, relaunched in 2001
Materials:
Legs: Walnut, oak or black painted
Upholstery:
Gotland Sheepskin
Model and Dimensions:
FJ 4000 (With Buttons)
FJ 4001 (Without Buttons) W: 85 cm | D: 76 cm | H: 68 cm
Seat height: 37 cm
Once a year, Finn Juhl's distinctive Pelican Chair becomes available upholstered in sheepskin from the Swedish island of Gotland. When dressed in this material, the chair's expression is entirely defined by nature, giving each piece a unique and individual expression. The texture of the sheepskin underscores the Pelican’s sculptural, almost animalistic form. Each chair is hand-upholstered in Denmark, with legs available in oak, walnut, or black-painted finish.
Design:
Finn Juhl
Year:
1940, relaunched in 2001
Materials:
Legs: Walnut, oak or black painted
Upholstery:
Gotland Sheepskin
Model and Dimensions:
FJ 4000 (With Buttons)
FJ 4001 (Without Buttons) W: 85 cm | D: 76 cm | H: 68 cm
Seat height: 37 cm
The island of Gotland is located in the Baltic Sea, about 200 kilometres from Stockholm. Known for its vast pine forests and scenic coastline, it is home to the Gotland Pelt Sheep – a highly active and social breed well adapted to the harsh Scandinavian climate. In addition to their resilience, these sheep are especially prized for their distinctive, curly grey coats.
Shaped by Nature
From dense, frizzy curls to large, soft, and lustrous ones, each Gotland sheep is unique – and no two hides are ever the same. Naturally, the wool varies in color from light to dark grey, often featuring subtle tones of white or black. As the hides are entirely natural, no dyes or pigments are added during processing.
When the Pelican Chair is upholstered in Gotland sheepskin, its appearance is entirely defined by nature. Each chair takes on a distinct and individual character, further highlighting the Pelican’s organic, animated presence. Because of this natural variation, it is not possible to request a specific color – every chair is one of a kind, a reflection of the raw and unfiltered beauty of the sheepskin.
A Chair Like No Other
The Pelican Chair’s distinctive, organic form almost seems to embrace the seated person – offering a sense of comfort that feels like a gentle hug. Like many of Finn Juhl’s designs, the chair creates a space within itself, encouraging immersion and closeness. When upholstered in natural Gotland sheepskin, the soft contours of the Pelican are further enhanced, adding warmth and a sensuous texture to any interior. In addition to its visual and tactile appeal, Gotland sheepskin is highly durable and naturally resistant to dust and dirt, making it easy to care for.
When House of Finn Juhl relaunched the Pelican Chair in 2001, it was essential that the production be based on Finn Juhl’s first prototype, his drawings, and the original methods. To this day, the chair is still crafted in Denmark and upholstered by hand – a traditional craft only mastered by few very skilled upholsterers.
