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First introduced in 1938, the Little Petra Lounge Chair by Viggo Boesen quickly captured international attention, winning acclaim at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition and later at design shows in New York and Berlin. One of Boesen’s few but most celebrated works, Little Petra embodies the essence of Denmark’s 1930s Funkis movement a softer, more organic interpretation of modernism that contrasted the strict lines of the Bauhaus style.
Compact yet inviting, its sculptural form and enveloping comfort make it a timeless addition to both classic and contemporary interiors, proving that great design transcends eras and settings.
First introduced in 1938, the Little Petra Lounge Chair by Viggo Boesen quickly captured international attention, winning acclaim at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition and later at design shows in New York and Berlin. One of Boesen’s few but most celebrated works, Little Petra embodies the essence of Denmark’s 1930s Funkis movement a softer, more organic interpretation of modernism that contrasted the strict lines of the Bauhaus style.
Compact yet inviting, its sculptural form and enveloping comfort make it a timeless addition to both classic and contemporary interiors, proving that great design transcends eras and settings.
Originally designed in the 1930s by Danish architect Viggo Boesen, the Little Petra Lounge Chair captures the essence of Scandinavian design soft lines, inviting comfort and meticulous craftsmanship. At a time when furniture was individually commissioned, Boesen collaborated with master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen, whose Copenhagen workshop produced only around 30 original pieces, each made to order for private clients.
Named after Boesen’s mother-in-law a small woman with a big personality Little Petra reflects her warmth and charm in its enveloping, organic form. Every detail, from the plush upholstery to the sculptural shape, was created to encourage relaxation and connection. Reintroduced by &Tradition, this Danish design classic has been thoughtfully updated for modern living, maintaining Boesen’s original vision while embracing contemporary craftsmanship and sustainable materials.
To explore more about its design story and enduring appeal, read our Little Petra Chair design icon guide.
Originally designed in the 1930s by Danish architect Viggo Boesen, the Little Petra Lounge Chair captures the essence of Scandinavian design soft lines, inviting comfort and meticulous craftsmanship. At a time when furniture was individually commissioned, Boesen collaborated with master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen, whose Copenhagen workshop produced only around 30 original pieces, each made to order for private clients.
Named after Boesen’s mother-in-law a small woman with a big personality Little Petra reflects her warmth and charm in its enveloping, organic form. Every detail, from the plush upholstery to the sculptural shape, was created to encourage relaxation and connection. Reintroduced by &Tradition, this Danish design classic has been thoughtfully updated for modern living, maintaining Boesen’s original vision while embracing contemporary craftsmanship and sustainable materials.
To explore more about its design story and enduring appeal, read our Little Petra Chair design icon guide.
Who was Viggo Boesen?
Viggo Boesen (1907–1985) was a pioneering Danish designer celebrated for his organic, sculptural approach to furniture. Rejecting the rigid minimalism of his era, he favoured soft lines, natural forms and a deep connection to nature values that defined Denmark’s Funkis style. A quiet, reflective figure and contemporary of Finn Juhl and Arne Jacobsen, Boesen’s work embodied harmony, warmth and timeless craftsmanship, principles that continue to inspire modern design today.
Initially introduced back in 1938, Little Petra won instant praise at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, subsequently winning awards at exhibits in New York and Berlin. It’s one of just a few designs by architect Viggo Boesen, who became associated with Denmark’s signature design aesthetic in the 1930s called 'funkis style'.
Distinguished by a softer, more abundant, organic aesthetic that challenged the minimalistic approach of Bauhaus. Named after Boesen’s mother-in-law, Little Petra is indeed surprisingly petite, able to fit into all kinds of spaces, interiors and environments.
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