Menu’s new release recreates Ib Kofod-Larsen’s Knitting Chair, which the Danish designer created almost 70 years ago specifically for knitting. Knitting Chair’s airy and sculptural appearance is also easy to combine with modern interiors and recreational habits.
IB KOFOD-LARSEN’S (1921–2003) Knitting Chair, released in 1951, consists of a triangular oak frame, leather upholstery and gently inclining back with rounded cut-outs for the elbows. Kofod-Larsen designed the holes to support the hands while knitting, but they also serve well when reading a book or a newspaper, or when using a smartphone or tablet.
“Ib’s furniture was rooted in reality. His hope was to create design that would endure, both functionally and aesthetically”, tells the designer's son, Jan Kofod-Larsen.
Nordic design traditions are clearly visible in Kofod-Larsen’s style, but he also looked beyond Scandinavia – he was known as one of the best-selling Danish architects in 1950s USA, and he also collaborated with international furniture manufacturers in Europe and all the way in Japan.
Kofod-Larsen designed the holes to support hands while knitting, but they also serve well when reading a book or a newspaper, or when using a smartphone or tablet.
The Danish Menu has released Knitting Chair as part of a series of classical furniture, which represents Scandinavian modernism and has been named Modernism Reimagined. With its skillful handicraft traditions, high-quality materials and a graceful and playful attitude to design, Knitting Chair fits the collection smoothly.
“Our place as a leader and innovator in contemporary design is in fact rooted in tradition: our designers are masters of interpreting mid-century, modernist values and creating objects with unique personality. We call it Modernism Reimagined, and I can think of no better classic than Ib Kofod-Larsen’s Knitting Chair to showcase the roots of this Menu concept”, comments Joachim Kornbek Engell-Hansen, Menu's design and brand director.
Knitting Chair was presented for the first time in Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild’s furniture exhibit in 1951, along with works from designers such as Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl and Nanna Ditzel. Only a limited edition of the chairs were made, and they have thus become a much desired collector’s item in auctions.
Only a special edition of 99 Knitting Chairs has been made.
The chair will remain a rarity also after Menu’s rerelease, as only a special edition of 99 chairs has been made. In the new version of Knitting Chair, the oak frame with a dark finish combines with warm grey leather upholstery, and every chair is finished with engraved numbering.
“Ib would have been very happy to see that people continue to appreciate his furniture today. And I think he would have enjoyed Menu’s approach and focus on creating for the future while respecting the past”, Jan Kofod-Larsen says.
See also:
• Menu's Knitting Chair >
• All Menu's designs >
Text: Nora Uotila Images: Manufacturers