Ah the Bridge! It's beautiful to see, and a marvel to ride across. And ah the chairs too. I love that in ordinary Danish homes such design classics seem to be quite normal. Our definitely-not-well-off Danish friends have a set of wishbone chairs around their kitchen table, and a gorgeous classic light shades all around the house.
NB don't forget to look out for the Anna Ancher exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery later this year. Forgive me kid I've mentioned it before. We first saw her work at an exhibition in Skagen when we stayed there back in 1986. My first encounter I think with Art that dealt with the ordinarily domestic.
Wishbone chairs were quite “the thing” in my parents’ group of friends in the 60s. When my mother died, her best friend asked if she could have her chairs to fill out a set. It made me happy to know they would be with friends, since I couldn’t take them. It’s a testament to their brilliant design that one still sees them in so many contemporary interiors. They go with everything and are so comfortable!
There is a pietà sculpture by Gosney in Ripon cathedral, where Mary sits on a kitchen chair as she holds the body of Christ in her lap. It’s a beautiful, homely reminder to acknowledge the grief of all mothers for all their lost children..
Oh yes, the chairs in the Design Museum in Copenhagen are etched in my memories of our trip a few years ago. What a super place. I didn’t know that ‘the bridge’ disappeared as I only saw it from the top of the parliament building on a misty day; must go back and explore more fully! An engaging piece of writing on chairs. Has prompted me to look at my own miscellany of seating furniture collected over the years. Thank you for an interesting and absorbing read.
Thanks, Jane, I much enjoyed that. You prompted me this week to ask around about experiences of Arne Jacobsen design at Catz. Those who studied there (including my dad) seem to be committed fans of his all-in approach, especially the cutlery. Mum (Just Visiting) confirmed that the chairs were very comfortable in the 1960s. Dad told me as a child that undergraduates once turned the JCR sunken "conversation pit" into a pond complete with fish, which has made me smile every since. Wishing you a happy week. Anna
I think if you are at all doubtful about the all-in AJ design, it wouldn't be the right place. But if you were open-minded enough to see its brilliance, then it would be an amazing place to be. A few years ago, I stayed a night in an AJ room through University Rooms B&B and lapped it all up. (I would not have been sophisticated enough when I was 18, though!)
I see someone has just mentioned the Scottish Colourists exhibition at Dovecot. I was there yesterday and can confirm that it includes one of Cadell's chairs (in a painting I mean). It's a lovely exhibition - I wasn't entirely convinced by the narrative in the curation, but lots of lovely saturated colour, and it's very good at placing the Colourists in their wider art context. Leslie Hunter's work was the revelation for me.
I didn't know Florence Hutchings at all, so thanks very much for introducing her - I love that picture, and the catalogue.
Yes to Swedish trains. I lived in Hassleholm for a year and you’d have passed through on your way to Malmö. Yes to Cadell and yes to the chairs in Kettle’s Yard!
If you love the Scottish Colourists - it's Edinburgh for you. A large exhibition has just opened at Dovecot Studios of their work. https://dovecotstudios.com/whats-on/the-scottish-colourists
Thank you for letting me know. I've seen earlier exhibitions in Edinburgh and will always happily revisit!
A trip to the art galleries of Perth & Edinburgh many years ago introduced me to, and fostered my love of, the Colourists. Same with the Glasgow Boys.
Another glorious post, Jane. You always take us somewhere unexpected!
I totally love the photo of John Lennon sitting in the Thonet chair and you comments about he and the chair rocking anytime soon is genius.
Fascinating read - am a big fan of my bedroom “chair-drobe” - must make my arrangements (aka accumulations) more artful!
Ah the Bridge! It's beautiful to see, and a marvel to ride across. And ah the chairs too. I love that in ordinary Danish homes such design classics seem to be quite normal. Our definitely-not-well-off Danish friends have a set of wishbone chairs around their kitchen table, and a gorgeous classic light shades all around the house.
NB don't forget to look out for the Anna Ancher exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery later this year. Forgive me kid I've mentioned it before. We first saw her work at an exhibition in Skagen when we stayed there back in 1986. My first encounter I think with Art that dealt with the ordinarily domestic.
Yes, I will definitely be going!
Thank you for introducing me to the work of Florence Hutchings. It’s so joyful. Interesting post ax always Jane, thank you!
In the several days since I read this wonderful piece, I've found myself looking, really seeing … chairs … everywhere I go!
Clearly, I’ve never thought properly about chairs before! What a revelation. Again, thank you
Wishbone chairs were quite “the thing” in my parents’ group of friends in the 60s. When my mother died, her best friend asked if she could have her chairs to fill out a set. It made me happy to know they would be with friends, since I couldn’t take them. It’s a testament to their brilliant design that one still sees them in so many contemporary interiors. They go with everything and are so comfortable!
There is a pietà sculpture by Gosney in Ripon cathedral, where Mary sits on a kitchen chair as she holds the body of Christ in her lap. It’s a beautiful, homely reminder to acknowledge the grief of all mothers for all their lost children..
Oh yes, the chairs in the Design Museum in Copenhagen are etched in my memories of our trip a few years ago. What a super place. I didn’t know that ‘the bridge’ disappeared as I only saw it from the top of the parliament building on a misty day; must go back and explore more fully! An engaging piece of writing on chairs. Has prompted me to look at my own miscellany of seating furniture collected over the years. Thank you for an interesting and absorbing read.
Thanks, Jane, I much enjoyed that. You prompted me this week to ask around about experiences of Arne Jacobsen design at Catz. Those who studied there (including my dad) seem to be committed fans of his all-in approach, especially the cutlery. Mum (Just Visiting) confirmed that the chairs were very comfortable in the 1960s. Dad told me as a child that undergraduates once turned the JCR sunken "conversation pit" into a pond complete with fish, which has made me smile every since. Wishing you a happy week. Anna
I think if you are at all doubtful about the all-in AJ design, it wouldn't be the right place. But if you were open-minded enough to see its brilliance, then it would be an amazing place to be. A few years ago, I stayed a night in an AJ room through University Rooms B&B and lapped it all up. (I would not have been sophisticated enough when I was 18, though!)
I see someone has just mentioned the Scottish Colourists exhibition at Dovecot. I was there yesterday and can confirm that it includes one of Cadell's chairs (in a painting I mean). It's a lovely exhibition - I wasn't entirely convinced by the narrative in the curation, but lots of lovely saturated colour, and it's very good at placing the Colourists in their wider art context. Leslie Hunter's work was the revelation for me.
I didn't know Florence Hutchings at all, so thanks very much for introducing her - I love that picture, and the catalogue.
I'm going to try and get there! Sounds brilliant.
Yes to Swedish trains. I lived in Hassleholm for a year and you’d have passed through on your way to Malmö. Yes to Cadell and yes to the chairs in Kettle’s Yard!
Excellent!
What a joyful canter around my all time favourite subject. Have to say 'before they both start rocking' made me giggle knowingly. Thank you 😊
Thank you for another great start to my week. In the last photo, I think you meant the Shakers for the chair rack, not the Amish.
Hi Linda, glad you enjoyed the newsletter. I did mean Amish https://www.amishfurniturefactory.com/amishblog/why-do-amish-hang-chairs-on-the-wall/