Ant Chair

Arne Jacobsen (1902 – 1974) was a multi-talented Danish modern designer mostly known for his architectural work and furniture design. In addition, Jacobsen showed his talent in designing consumer goods, lamps and textiles. Jacobsen was originally trained as a mason, but later pursued his studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, graduating in 1928.

Arne Jacobsen opened his own architectural office in 1930. His first major architectural project was the Bellavista housing development in the early 1930’s. Jacobsen’s most known architectural projects include SAS (the airline company) building which contained an airport terminal as well as the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen and St. Catherine College in Oxford, England. For the Royal Hotel, Jacobsen designed every detail from furniture including his famous “Swan” and “Egg” chairs to textiles, lighting, wall panels, door hardware and tableware. For St. Catherine’s he designed every detail as well.

Models 3207, 3108 and 3107 Chairs

Other than the “Swan” and “Egg” chairs designed for the Royal Hotel, Arne Jacobsen’s notable furniture designs include the three legged (later a four legged version was also introduced) stackable chair called the “Ant” chair (1952) and the “3107” chair (1955), also known as the “Series 7” chair. The “Ant” and “Series 7” chairs were manufactured by Fritz Hansen in great numbers and the success of these chairs propelled both Jacobsen and Fritz Hansen’s names into furniture history.

Fritz Hansen has been manufacturing Jacobsen’s furniture since 1930’s and remains the same to this day. Just like many other mid century/Danish modern designers, Jacobsen created sleek, elegant, yet functional furniture pieces with timeless appeal that are cherished by many people today.