The Relaunch of the Sculptural Willadsen Series
In 1950, Finn Juhl designed two striking, sculptural seating pieces – then known as SW 50 – for Søren Willadsen’s Furniture Factory in Vejen. Now, 75 years later, we are reviving the iconic series under the name Willadsen.
In the mid-20th century, Finn Juhl developed a close partnership with the furniture manufacturer Søren Willadsen, who operated a cabinetmaker's workshop in Vejen, Denmark. One of the many results of their collaboration was a sculptural sofa and lounge chair, known on the vintage market as the SW 50 Series.
The series was originally presented at the Danish Furniture Fair in Fredericia in 1950. Only a limited number were produced at the time, but the pieces have since become highly sought after by collectors. Now, the series – defined by the distinctive gap between the seat and backrest – will be relaunched during Milan Design Week, Fuorisalone, on April 8th, 2025.
Inspired by Art
Now named the Willadsen Series, the pieces are masterful examples of Finn Juhl's artistic and unorthodox approach to design. The semi-oval gap allows the backrest to arch freely above the seat – a bold choice in 1950 that introduced a sense of lightness and showcased Finn Juhl's ability to redefine the traditional upholstered form. The rounded silhouette embraces the seated person in a dynamic gesture, while the slightly angled legs elevate the design and enhance its weightless quality.
Throughout his life, Finn Juhl was deeply inspired by art, and he insisted that artistic expression – whether in fine art or functional design – must stand independently. In Henrik Wivel's book simply titled "Finn Juhl", the SW 50 series is highlighted as a clear expression of Finn Juhl's experimental approach. Henrik Wivel writes: "Like sculptor Henry Moore, Finn Juhl 'punches holes' in the solidity of the sofas, giving the furniture a vivid and autonomous presence in the room."
Even Søren Willadsen himself acknowledged that the SW 50 series was groundbreaking – and perhaps a little eccentric. In 1951, he humorously stated:
"Had I, as a newly trained cabinetmaker in 1904, attempted to make furniture like the pieces architect Finn Juhl has now designed for our workshop, I would have been locked up."
A Revived Furniture Tradition
While many know that Finn Juhl collaborated with cabinetmakers and manufacturers like Niels Vodder, Bovirke, and France & Son, his partnership with Søren Willadsen in Vejen is less documented. The workshop was founded in 1904 by master cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen, initially as a small workshop. From 1912, it began manufacturing in larger volumes. In the 1930s and 1940s, Willadsen established collaborations with a select group of architects, including Finn Juhl, Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel, Illum Wikkelsø, and Kristian Vedel.
In 1950, the city of Vejen was home to several furniture makers, but like most Danish workshops from that era, few remain today. As a furniture manufacturer, we continue to uphold Danish craft traditions. With the 2022 acquisition of the century-old solid wood manufacturer Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik – also based in Vejen – the production of Finn Juhl's designs has been further strengthened and secured for the future.
Ivan Hansen, co-founder of House of Finn Juhl, explains:
"We are proud to bring the Willadsen Series back to Vejen, where it was originally manufactured in the 1950s. The workshop we acquired dates back to 1919, underscoring our commitment to preserving and continuing the traditions of craftsmanship that have made Danish furniture design known worldwide."
