The Chieftain Armchair is an iconic design from Danish architect and furniture-maker Finn Juhl. First designed in 1949, the chair quickly became known as a true masterpiece and an icon within Danish furniture art.
Finn Juhl (1912-1989) was the first Danish furniture designer to be recognized internationally. He studied architecture at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen with Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen, but as a furniture designer he was self-taught, a fact he always emphasized.
Juhl began designing furniture in the late 1930s, in the beginning mostly pieces intended for himself, but after setting up his own office in 1945 he soon became known for his unusual, expressive and sculptural pieces.
One of Finn Juhl's most well-known pieces is the Chieftains Chair. Designed in 1949, it is a fine example of Juhl's great idea of separating the sculpturally shaped seat and back from the wooden frame.
