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Carl Hansen & Son Brings Back Ole Wanscher’s Beak Chair

Carl Hansen & Son is dipping back into the archives to give a classic lounge chair new life. Designed by Ole Wanscher in 1951, the Beak Chair, or OW124, has a sculptural frame with armrests that project out, like the beak of a bird, which is how the chair gets its name. Despite the design being 66 years old, it feels modern and contemporary making it the perfect addition to the brand’s timeless collection.

The frame features curved edges and seamless joints that showcase the fine craftsmanship that Wanscher’s designs are known for. On the armrests’ sides, the cover caps are visible, referencing a bird’s eye.

From Carl Hansen & Son CEO Knud Erik Hansen:

The chair epitomizes Wanscher’s desire and ability to explore materials and shapes. The seemingly floating armrests are designed with such precision and elegance that they appear as natural extensions of the rest of the structure. Here, Wanscher fully demonstrates his deep understanding of materials.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.