After spending most of last week excitedly watching this year’s 3 Days of Design festival, I wanted to share one of my favourite events with you. The House of Finn Juhl not only showcased their latest pieces, but officially launched their beautiful new Copenhagen showroom too.
Relocated less than a ten-minute walk away from their previous store by Frederiks Kirke, the House of Finn Juhl can now be found at Wilhelm Hansen House. But this incredible place is more than just a stunning building. It has history.
Danish design history in the making
For over one hundred years from this same location, the Wilhelm Hansen family ran the biggest music publishing house in Scandinavia, but unfortunately in 1988 the business was sold. After the sale was complete Hanne Wilhelm Hansen and her sister, Lone used the proceeds to establish a dedicated foundation supporting the city’s performing arts.
If you know your Danish design history, then you may recognise the name Hanne Wilhelm Hansen, or more than likely her famous portrait. Hanne and Finn Juhl were husband and wife, and its Hanne’s striking depiction that hangs in the living room of their home at Ordrupgaard, another must visit destination for any Nordic design lover.
Following Finn Juhl’s death in 1989, Hanne worked tirelessly to relaunch her beloved husband’s iconic furniture, collaborating with Ivan Hansen and Hans Henrik Sørensen, to ultimately found the brand we know today, with sales from the company still financially supporting the Wilhelm Hansen Foundation today.
Pioneering design for the homes of today
As part of this historic celebration, the House of Finn Juhl also showcased their latest relaunched designs, the FJ 53 series.
The sophisticated armchair and two-seater sofa with its distinctive wavy seat has remained one of Finn Juhl’s most popular and sought-after designs, and is one of my personal favourites too.
Created for master joiner Niels Vodder in 1953 and introduced at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition later that year, both were originally produced in teak and rosewood. Today, those lucky enough to have these exceptional pieces in their own home, can choose from American walnut or European oak, as well as fabric or leather for the upholstery.
Alongside Finn Juhl’s furniture visitors to Wilhelm Hansen House can also experience contemporary art, ceramics and glass. Proving once again that these pioneering designs of the past continue to complement our sense of style today.
The House of Finn Juhl can be found at Gothersgade 9, 1123 Copenhagen K.
To find out more visit the House of Finn Juhl website.
Like this post? Then read more about the new Vipp showroom that has recently opened in Copenhagen.
All photography courtesy of the House of Finn Juhl.
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