PELICAN CHAIR | SHEEPSKIN | FINN JUHL | 1940
The Pelican Chair is one of Finn Juhl's most visionary designs – and although it gained immediate recognition in 1940, it did not make it into production until 61 years later, in 2001. The sheepskin version is a tribute to comfort and presence, as its embracing shape and soft upholstery create a sense of calm and intimacy – inviting you to sit back and relax. The Pelican Chair comes with a loose cushion and is upholstered by hand in Denmark, with a choice of legs in oak, walnut, or black-painted wood.
Please note that the versions shown here represent only a selection of the many available options. For a complete overview of colors and materials, please explore the material page.
Design:
Finn Juhl
Year:
1940, relaunched in 2001
Materials:
Legs: Walnut, oak or black painted
Upholstery:
Sheepskin
Model and Dimensions:
FJ 4000 (W/o Buttons) B: 85 cm D: 76 cm H: 68 cm Seat height: 37 cm
The Pelican Chair is one of Finn Juhl's most visionary designs – and although it gained immediate recognition in 1940, it did not make it into production until 61 years later, in 2001. The sheepskin version is a tribute to comfort and presence, as its embracing shape and soft upholstery create a sense of calm and intimacy – inviting you to sit back and relax. The Pelican Chair comes with a loose cushion and is upholstered by hand in Denmark, with a choice of legs in oak, walnut, or black-painted wood.
Design:
Finn Juhl
Year:
1940, relaunched in 2001
Materials:
Legs: Walnut, oak or black painted
Upholstery:
Sheepskin
Model and Dimensions:
FJ 4000 (W/o Buttons) B: 85 cm D: 76 cm H: 68 cm Seat height: 37 cm
The Pelican Chair in Sheepskin
Soft, organic, and sculptural – Finn Juhl's Pelican Chair naturally invites tactile materials. Sheepskin complements its flowing curves with an equally organic character, enhancing the chair's welcoming form and enveloping the seated person in warmth and comfort.
Beyond its aesthetics, sheepskin introduces a quiet tactile richness; its natural sheen and gentle feel echo the soft lines and human touch that define Finn Juhl's design language. Renowned for its resilience, sheepskin is durable and soft. It regulates temperature year-round, repels dust and dirt, and is easy to maintain – making it an ideal upholstery material for lasting comfort.
Classic and Contemporary at Once
When the Pelican Chair debuted at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition in 1940, its unusual expression and sculptural form quietly challenged convention. Reception was mixed, and only the two original examples shown at the exhibition were ever produced. For many years afterward, the design remained largely unnoticed.
Over time, however, the Pelican Chair has grown into one of Finn Juhl's most cherished pieces. Its organic silhouette integrates naturally into contemporary interiors, offering a presence that is both distinctive and quietly cohesive alongside designs such as the Pelican Table and the Poet Sofa.
