Carl Hansen & Søn factory visit - CH24 Wishbone chair

In 1908, Danish cabinetmaker Carl Hansen opened a small workshop for custom-made furniture on the Danish island of Funen. The cabinetmaker was known for its excellent craftsmanship.

Carl Hansen expands his company as a result of his success. Instead of the small workshop, he opens a factory that allows for both modern machinery and journeymen. The new facilities make it possible to produce small series of the most popular pieces and the combination of handmade craftsmanship and rational series production becomes the hallmark of this heritage company.

Now more than 100 years later, Carl Hansen & Søn is a unique family business that focuses on traditional woodworking, sustainable production and timeless design. Thanks to the collaboration with leading Danish architects as Hans J. Wegner, the collection contains many world-famous classics such as the CH24 Wishbone chair. A beautiful handmade chair where craftsmanship and quality are central.

A few weeks ago I was very lucky to be invited by Carl Hansen & Søn for a presstour at Copenhagen to join the very special launch of the renewed VLA25 Vega chair (made in collaboration with Villhelm Lauritzen architectsc) at the Vega Music hall and to visit Carl Hansen HQ and factory in Gelsted (Funen) .

The factory visit was designed to provide us with the knowledge and insight behind the craftsmanship of Carl Hansen & Søn and took us through the highlights of the factory by showing us their materials, the apprentice lab.furniture and the production of the CH24 wishbone chair in particular.

The legendary Wishbone Chair by designer Hans J. Wegner is an icon within Danish design. The top rails and arms are combined into a single piece and the characteristic and comfortable Y-shaped back, reminiscent of a wishbone supports the steam-bent top.. The design looks deceptively simple, but it takes a total of 125 steps to produce the Wishbone Chair. Most of which is purely handmade. The wide, spacious seat is designed for optimal comfort and consists of no less than 120 meters of cord, which can last about 50 years and is woven entirely by hand. As it has been in continuous production since 1950, it captures the essence and heritage of modern Danish Design and is a true Wegner icon.

For me personally it was amazing to see the whole proces and watch the craftsmen at work. I was fascinated by their enthusiasm, the care and craftsmanship that goes into every single product. Because we were also allowed to try some steps ourselves during the tour we were able to experience how difficult it is to meet the high standards as an "inexperienced employee". Especially the weaving process intrigued me but also the uphosltery departement where at that time the CH24 Birthday chair 2022 (limited edition ) was made. To be honest I don't think I passed the weaving part ;-) and I look back with great respect to the work of all craftsmen.

After this instructive and very inspiring trip at Funen we were invited for the opening of a new CH store in Copenhagen that ended with meeting Knud Erik Hansen CEO of Carl Hansen & Søn. Many impressions later I traveled back to Amsterdam with a huge dose of inspiration and many good memories! - Elvera

CH24 Birthday chair 2022 – limited edition

This post is made in collaboraion with Carl Hanson Carl Hansen & Søn with Thanks!