AMSTERDAM, Sept 29 — Danish design brand Fritz Hansen has unveiled a new version of its cult Ant chair designed in 1952 by the Danish architect, Arne Jacobsen. Here’s a look at the story behind this Scandinavian design classic.
The Ant chair was designed in the mid 20th century. It was the first in a line of stacking chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen, followed by the Series 7, the Grand Prix and the Lily.
This insect-inspired seat was one of the first chairs to be made out of a single piece of moulded plywood, a process that was revolutionary at the time. Today, the Ant is still manufactured by steam bending nine layers of wood veneer.
When asked about the Ant’s design, Arne Jacobsen said: “I based my work on a need: what chairs are needed? I found that people needed a new type of chair for the small kitchen dinettes that are found in most new buildings today, a little, light, and inexpensive chair. At the same time, I made one that can also be used in lunchrooms, as a stacking chair.”
The Ant takes its name from its characteristic narrow waist. Originally a three-legged chair designed for the canteen of a Danish pharmaceuticals company, the Ant almost remained a prototype, as Fritz Hansen wasn’t convinced of its potential. In fact, it only went into production once Arne Jacobsen agreed to buy any unsold models. Today, the Ant is considered a classic of Danish design and is a bestseller for Fritz Hansen.
The new limited-edition version comes with a warm grey dyed oak veneer with matching powder-coated bronze legs. The dyed veneer brings out the natural grain of the oak for a subtly weathered finish.
This limited-edition model is available from selected Fritz Hansen stores and dealers until September 2017. — AFP-Relaxnews
