Carl Hansen & Son Recreates 1936 Masterpiece Sofa by Danish Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
Solid craftsmanship and meticulous attention to the fine details were of utmost importance to cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, who also showed great stylistic insight. Henningsen’s incredible ability to grasp the traditional expression of previous stylistic periods and reinterpret them in a new era is reflected in several of his designs – not least in the elegantly proportioned Coupé Sofa. Presented for the first time at the 1936 Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Furniture Exhibition, the Coupé Sofa is now becoming part of Carl Hansen & Son’s collection of classic furniture pieces.
Carl Hansen & Son expands its collection of Frits Henningsen furniture with the exceptional 1936 Coupé Sofa.The sofa’s ingenious design is a continuation of the highly detailed 1930 Heritage Chair and the simple 1954 Signature Chair, which was to be Henningsen’s last design. Like the two lounge chairs, the Coupé Sofa is characterized by an organic and soft form, a refined and personal expression, and an exceptional understanding of the materials – the result of a strong quality consciousness.
Knud Erik Hansen, CEO of Carl Hansen & Son, says: “We have wanted to put this particular coupé sofa into production for a long time – simply because it is one of Frits Henningsen’s most original designs. With its shoulder-height profile, the angled rear legs, and the fine inner armrests; the sofa speaks for itself. It is unique and incredibly elegant, and the design is an excellent example of Henningsen’s meticulous approach to his work. His training as a cabinetmaker is evident in all of his designs. We at Carl Hansen & Son share his passion for great craftsmanship, and his Coupé Sofa thus fits perfectly into our story of the legacy of the past 100 years of Danish design.”
Henningsen paid great attention to detail and considered quality, while at the same time having a unique understanding of both form and function. This design ideal comes together in the Coupé Sofa crafted with exquisite materials and a demanding upholstery technique that challenges even the experienced craftsmen at Carl Hansen & Son.
Perfect proportions
Frits Henningsen mastered simple shapes and great comfort, and his Coupé Sofa is no exception. It comfortably accommodates two people who can escape behind the high sides to find a tranquil space for moments of quiet contemplation. Despite its relatively high back and sides, the Coupé Sofa, which was previously considered a fireplace sofa, is a compact piece of furniture that integrates easily into any interior.
The Coupé Sofa is manufactured according to careful measurements of the original sofa at Carl Hansen & Son’s factory in Gelsted on Funen and requires skilled and experienced upholsterers. The fabric or leather covering the back of the sofa is sewn into one large piece, which wraps around the reverse of the sofa and is combined with the carefully sewn leather piping, elegantly hiding visible transitions. The fine, crescent-shaped inner armrests are padded on the top to increase sitting comfort.
The Coupé Sofa, previously only available in leather, is now also available in fabric upholstery. The inner armrests and the piping on both variants come in leather. The sofa has a classic look in fully upholstered leather, while the combination of leather and fabric gives it a more playful, modern feel. Underneath the Coupé Sofa’s refined exterior lies a solid and robust beech wood frame with foam padding. For optimum comfort, the inside of the seat is fitted with small pocket springs, each working individually and adapting to each person’s sitting position, while retaining the shape of the seat over time.
“The proportions of Frits Henningsen’s Coupé Sofa are perfect, and the cabinetmaker has succeeded in creating a stringent and simple piece, which will work with both contemporary and classic furniture and spaces. The look of the sofa is classic and elegantly understated, and the combination of sublime materials and beautiful craftsmanship is immediately noticeable. On closer inspection, it is the delicate details, such as the small inner armrests and the uninterrupted leather piping, that truly define the design,” says Knud Erik Hansen.
PRODUCT INFO
The Coupé Sofa – model number FH436 – is crafted in oak and walnut in various finishes and comes with either leather or fabric upholstery, with the inner armrests and piping in leather.
The dimensions of the sofa are: 16.5 in (seat height), 39.4 in (height), 25.2 in (depth), and 58.7 in (width).
Recommended retail price from USD 9,305 excl. VAT. The Coupé Sofa is available in stores.
ABOUT CARL HANSEN & SØN
Carl Hansen & Son represents over 100 years of furniture history with respect and passion for quality craftsmanship. The world’s largest manufacturer of furniture designed by Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Son also produces works by renowned design masters such as Ole Wanscher, Kaare Klint, Poul Kjærholm, Mogens Koch, Frits Henningsen, Tadao Ando, and EOOS. Carl Hansen & Son furniture is produced in Denmark and sold all over the world. Learn more at www.carlhansen.com
