Finn Juhl

1912 - 1989

Finn Juhl was born in Frederiksberg, Denmark in 1912 and was steered initially into a career in architecture by his father. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under Kay Fisker who was considered a leading architect at the time. Juhl excelled and was later awarded the C.F. Hansen prize for young architects. After working for several years at Vilhelm Lauritzen's architectural firm Juhl designed his own family home and left the company to set up his own design study focussing on his love for interiors and furniture design.

Juhl was a designer who would become known as the founder of the danish modern movement and was credited as one of the designers that brough the style to worldwide recognition. Often considered ahead of his time, his iconic designs are much admired and sought after to this day. There are many of his designs worthy of mention, an example is the instantly recognisable Pelican chair designed with its sumptuous curves inviting you to take a seat. The Grasshopper chair, named for obvious reasons was one of the pieces that catapulted Juhl into designer legend status. The sleek and beautiful Chieftain chair with its curved armrests famed for its comfort is considered one of the best of his work. Although well known for his chair designs, Juhl designed desk, tables and some notably bold coloured sideboards combined with beautiful wood.

Juhl had a long and highly successful career in design bringing home many accolades including three gold medals at the Milan Triennial XI in 1957 he was also made a Knight of the Order of Dannebrog, Copenhagen. As well as awards there were many exhibitions that Juhl participated in worldwide from London to Chicago and latterly in Italy. His passing in 1989 was the end of an illustrious career but his legacy continues on.