How to weave a PK22 wicker chair

Following on from last year’s moving window display, Skandium called in big guns Fritz Hansen to create a PK22 chair in wicker for passers-by to watch and discover why it comes with the £2,407 price tag.

Taking all day to create, the PK22 chair in wicker was being shown by Skandium to draw attention to the craftsmanship and the people who create these products. So often are we far removed from the process that we almost have an in-built assumption that all products are produced by putting raw materials in to a machine and ta-da a chair is created. It’s difficult to imagine the full extent of the work involved in creating products and making them look so simple that we marvel only at the beauty rather than the story and history of that product before it made it to the shop floor.

In my view, this one-day-only exhibit is a great showcase for products that really do need to be shown to people for what they are and mine, and our, jobs as bloggers to take great photos and post it for all to see.

The discrete and elegant lounge chair PK22 epitomizes the work of Poul Kjærholm and his search for the ideal type-form and industrial dimension, which was always present in his work. The profile of the steel frame structure originates from his graduation project, the “Element” Chair (PK25™), from the School of Applied Arts in Copenhagen. On the PK22, the structure was divided into separate elements due to design improvements and for economical production.

The PK22 was an immediate commercial and critical success. In 1957, the chair was awarded the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale, the world’s premier design fair. The prize catapulted Kjærholm’s career and immediately he became a name on the international scene and has enjoyed this position ever since. The PK22 is available in wicker, suede or leather with a base in satin-brushed stainless steel.

Designer: Poul Kjaerholm
Manufacturer: Fritz Hansen
Year: 1957
Price: £2407.00 from Skandium