Little Petra
Despite its compact footprint, Little Petra is remarkably adaptable, fitting seamlessly into a variety of spaces and interiors. With its low height, inviting form, and open design, it captures the true essence of a lounge chair encouraging relaxation in a wide range of comfortable seating positions, perfect for any cozy setting.
whats the history of the little petra lounge chair?
At the time when Boesen was designing Little Petra, ordering furniture was a personal process, similar to commissioning a tailored garment. Customers would visit a skilled cabinetmaker to request custom-made pieces. Boesen worked with one of the most esteemed craftsmen of the era, A.J. Iversen, a cabinetmaker honoured with the Danish Order of the Dannebrog for his exceptional workmanship. From his prestigious workshop in one of Copenhagen’s prime locations, Iversen offered exclusive, handcrafted pieces designed by Boesen and his contemporaries. It was here that Boesen’s iconic Little Petra chair was originally made-to-order for private clients. With only around 30 pieces ever produced. &tradition reintroduced this overlooked masterpiece to a new audience, updating it to meet contemporary standards with a sustainable approach.
Named after Boesen’s mother-in-law (in photo opposite), said to be a small woman with a big personality, her presence is felt in the embracing body of the armchair’s design. Little Petra's every detail, from the plush upholstery to the overall form, has been crafted with comfort in mind. As &Tradition notes, “Little Petra is a real find from the archives of Danish design.”
the design
Still compact and cozy, the chair is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, staying true to the essence of Danish design without sacrificing quality or comfort. It’s also available with a matching footstool and in the Little Petra VB2 sofa version.
how is it made?
who was viggo boesen?
Viggo Boesen was a pioneering figure in 20th-century Danish design, known for his organic approach and deep connection to nature. Favouring soft lines and bold curves, his work embraced tactile simplicity and natural forms, standing apart from the rigid aesthetics of his time.
Born in Copenhagen in 1907, Boesen was a contemporary of renowned designers like Finn Juhland Arne Jacobsen, yet he led a quiet, reflective life away from the spotlight. Rooted in principles of balance and mindfulness, he sought inspiration in everyday pleasures and the natural world.In the 1950s, Boesen took to the road with a film camera and a Volkswagen camper van, journeying through Spain, Norway, and Denmark. These modest road trips yielded an intimate collection of photographs capturing family, landscapes, and fleeting moments of serenity. His imagery, much like his design, distills life to its organic essence, simple, raw, and beautifully unrefined.
Boesen’s reverence for nature permeated both his photography and design, emphasising sustainability, flow, and harmony, values that continue to shape design thinking today.
what are the upholstery options?
Little petra with sheepskin in moonlight
Sumptuous sheepskin in moonlight with walnut or oak wood legs
Little petra with sheepskin in sahara
Rich, cosy sheepskin with walnut or oak legs.
Little petra in karakorum
Bouclé wool and viscose fabric with Walnut or Oak wood legs
Petra VB3 Chair
Designed in 1938 based on an original design by Viggo Boesen in 1938, the VB3 Petra lounge chair follows on from the amazing success of the Little Petra. Petra is a lounge chair with a high-set, winged-backrest and unparalleled comfort.
FAQS
little petra chair
The Little Petra lounge chair was originally designed in 1938 by Danish designer Viggo Boesen. It features a low-height, open and inviting design which fits easily into a variety of interiors, and is considered part of the Danish “funkis” style heritage.
Who designed the Little Petra, and what makes the designer notable?
Viggo Boesen designed the Little Petra. He was a pioneering figure in Danish design, favouring organic forms, soft curves and a connection to nature distinct from the more rigid aesthetics of his time.
What is the historical context of the Little Petra chair?
At the time Boesen designed Little Petra, furniture was often made-to-order, custom-commissioned for private clients by cabinetmakers. Boesen worked with the esteemed cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Copenhagen, producing very few pieces (around 30 originally) for elite clientele.
What brand currently manufactures the Little Petra chair and how does the modern version relate to the original?
The chair has been reintroduced by the brand & Tradition (model VB1), which faithfully recreates Boesen’s silhouette while incorporating modern, sustainable materials and craftsmanship.
What materials and upholstery options are available for the Little Petra?
The chair is available in a variety of upholsteries including sheepskin in “Moonlight” and “Sahara” shades, or bouclé wool/viscose fabric (for example “Karakorum”) combined with walnut or oak legs.
What version(s) of the Little Petra family exist?
Can I order samples of the materials?
Yes, please get in touch and we csn order them for you and if you have any questions please get in touch we are happy to help.
