The collaboration between the Danish master Arne Jacobsen and Republic of Fritz Hansen is well known: the work, that actually started in 1934, had its breakthrough during the Fifties, the decades that people at Fritz Hansen say was entirely dominated by the great architect. The first product was the famous laminated Ant chair, whose technique and separable furniture is still a milestone in the history of Fritz Hansen. Its success lead to the production of the world-wide famous Series 7 chair and many iconic pieces, like the Egg and the Swan designed for Radisson SAS Hotel in Copenhagen.
To celebrate this strong bond, the Danish brand Republic of Fritz Hansen has revisited the classic Grand Prix chair and created a new version of the original piece.
The Grand Prix is a stackable plywood chair presented at the Spring Exhibition of Danish arts and crafts at the Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen. Originally, the chair was known as the model 3130 but was renamed after Arne Jacobsen won the Grand Prix at the XI. Triennale di Milano in 1957. Its construction and design mostly resembles the Model 3107, which Jacobsen designed 1955, but featured four wooden legs later replaced by the metal undercarriage.
Fritz Hansen has decided to go back to the very roots of the piece and propose the first version of the Grand Prix chair with wooden legs. The chair is now available in oak and walnut with clear lacquer as well as coloured ash in all colours, my favourites being the natural oak finish and the black, white, dark gray versions.
Arne Jacobsen's works are still among the best example of the finest Scandinavian design for its unique shape and the extreme attention to detail. Surely, this will be another great success in the history of the Danish brand.
All images via Republic of Fritz Hansen