METCHA

The oracle of leather design culture.

Header

It is in true and proper fashion a chieftain.

Behind the design of the Chieftain chair by Finn Juhl

To Finn Juhl, the shaping of furniture was a question of focusing on the humane and organic impressions of a piece.

This demanding intension is what exhilarated Finn Juhl in his work as a furniture designer and this approach is undeniably one of the reasons why there is still so much craze for his furniture to this day.

One of his most emblematic creations, The Chieftain chair, draws its influence from modern art, customs, and foreign lands. It's because of this design — which represents the peak of his career as a furniture designer — that Finn Juhl is often considered the father of Danish Modern design.

With its organic shapes, it has freed itself from conventional Danish furniture design and strict functionality in both shapes, investing in innovative construction and high-quality materials such as leather.

The attention to quality craftsmanship and the design details bring a will to break away from tradition, paving the way to make a difference in the design world.

Besides, it bears all the hallmarks of Finn Juhl's approach to design. Maintaining its visual lightness that contrasts with the power of leather, the Chieftain chair with its shield-like back and comfortable low seat appears to almost float in the space between the hardwood frame.

The leather upholstery of Finn Juhl’s furniture takes place in Denmark and requires years of experience, extensive knowledge, and last but not least, undying patience.

Working with furniture upholstery is a challenge, especially furniture as organic as Finn Juhl’s — it takes time to craft a leather piece that will last a lifetime and carry so much history.