Hans J. Wegner presented the CH07 Shell Chair in 1963. Its low, spreading form met a mixed reception, and production remained limited. Carl Hansen & Søn returned the design to production in 1998. The chair belongs to Wegner’s exploration of shaped veneer, with a broad seat that rises at either side like a shallow wing.
The seat and separate backrest are formed from pressed veneer and carry upholstered pads. Three arched legs support the body; the two at the front are made as a single laminated element. From the front, the low central seat and raised outer edges produce a strong horizontal gesture above the widely spaced feet.
The open gap between seat and back keeps the construction easy to read. Upholstery follows the useful contact areas while the edges expose the thin wooden shells. Seen beside Wegner’s solid wood chairs, the CH07 extends the same attention to joints and bodily support into a different manufacturing method. Its profile depends on a few broad curves rather than numerous small components.
Wegner modern chair
