Bergere Chair, 1931

Kaare Klint's Model 4488 armchair, designed in 1931 and produced by master cabinetmakers Rud. Rasmussen in Copenahgen became known as the Bergere Chair or simply the 'English Chair' in later years. This example has a frame made from mahogany with decorative rosewood inlays, solid rosewood shoes, cane seat, back and sides and original loose leather cushions.

The Bergere, was created as a result of rigorous study of English 18th century furniture types. An English chair from c.1790, held in the archives of the Danish Museum of Art & Design, provided the basis for Klint's new iteration, which lent on the new Danish modern ideals of simplicity and refinement of form. Klint had inaugurated the furniture school at the Royal Academy of Architecture in Copenhagen 7 years earlier in 1924. The school would be responsible for training many of the golden generation of Danish designers over the coming decades, including his protege Borge Mogensen.

Literature: Gorm Harkær, Klintiana: “Kaare Klint”, vol. 2, ill. and mentioned p. 86. / Grete Jalk [ed.]: “40 Years of Danish Furniture Design”, vol. 4, ill. p. 214.