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Celebrate Hans J. Wegner’s Birthday With the CH24 Birthday Edition 2023

04.18.23 | By
Celebrate Hans J. Wegner’s Birthday With the CH24 Birthday Edition 2023

Carl Hansen & Son once again marked the April 2nd birthday of Hans J. Wegner with a special edition of his CH24 Wishbone Chair that’s been in continuous production since 1950. The idea for it was created in the brand’s apprentice workshop in Funen – THE LAB – where 20 or so apprentices are training to become cabinetmakers. Asked to come up with a new seat for the Wishbone Chair, the best suggestions were tested and approved by Hans J. Wegner’s Tegnestue before being further developed by the master weavers at Carl Hansen & Son. The winner was a double-woven seat that adds a new look to the iconic chair.

wishbone chair in oak next to a dining table with a vase of yellow flowers

When designing the CH24, Wegner was inspired by portraits of Danish merchants sitting in chairs from the Ming Dynasty, an age of Chinese design known for its sleek furniture forms. His Wishbone Chair is a symbol of craftsmanship, using more than 100 steps to manufacture each, most of which are carried out by hand. The embodiment of durability and stability, it’s a piece of furniture that’s strong and long-lasting, ready to be tested by time.

three wishbone chairs in oak next to a dining table with a vase of yellow flowers

The CH Birthday Edition 2023 is made from oiled, FSCTM-certified oak and natural paper cord, a material Carl Hansen & Son has much experience with. The original Wishbone Chair featured a woven, envelope-patterned seat, but here paper cord was used to create a woven pattern with “double plain.” It takes nearly twice as long for an experienced weaver to complete, around two hours.

detail of wishbone chair in oak

Knud Erik Hansen, CEO and third-generation owner of Carl Hansen & Son, said, “Every year, we aim to create a version that adds something new to the Wishbone Chair without compromising Wegner’s original design. In our view, the double-woven seat does just that, and we’re thrilled to be offering design lovers around the world this new version of the Wishbone Chair.”

The special edition has a small brass plate engraved with Hans J. Wegner’s signature and date of birth, and a certificate of authenticity.

detail of nameplate wishbone chair in oak

detail of wishbone chair in oak

detail of wishbone chair in oak

wishbone chair in oak

wishbone chair in oak

side of wishbone chair in oak

back of wishbone chair in oak

Unfortunately, the CH Birthday Edition 2023 was only available for purchase on March 30, 2023 while supplies lasted. To learn more about the CH Birthday Edition 2023 visit carlhansen.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.