Early model of the Hans Wegner flag halyard chair GE225 with wooden feet  for GETAMA, Denmark, 1950

When it was released the unusual combination of rope, painted and chromed steel and sheepskin in the Flag halyard chair had never been seen before in the furniture industry. It was a way for Wegner to demonstrate his ability to design innovative, practical and comfortable furniture with every possible material.

The dark green color of the base emphasises being the support to the chrome-plated steel frame strung with halyard. The halyard is woven across the frame with the strings evenly spaced. There is a story that Wegner came up with the idea of using the halyard while on a beach near Aarhus, where he saw it being used for hoisting the sail of a ship. But it’s unclear if this is myth-making or rooted in facts.

The cognac leather headrest cushion and the long haired sheepskin soften the industrial shape of the steel, adding comfort.

The ecological sheepskin on this chair has 20 cm long hair and is exceptionally luxurious. The large sheepskin originates from an Icelandic sheep* which generally does not grow this big. Adding further to it’s rarity are the (subtle) grey tones that even in smaller sheep only occur in 1/20 of the population.

*Icelandic sheep are the most pure breed of sheep in the world and are genetically still the same as  when the Vikings brought them to the island. In a way, the sheepskin being on a chair by Danish designer Hans Wegner makes it come full circle in a pleasant way.

Exhibitions:

Model presented at The Arts & Crafts Spring Exhibition at Designmuseum Danmark, 1950.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chrome plated steel has some rust. The flag halyard has some discoloration and wear. Recently re-upholstered in premium full aniline leather.

Dimensions:

106 cm D x 118 cm W x 81 cm H, seat height 39 cm

Literature:

Mobilia (Denmark), no. 46, 1959, for an advertisement by Getama, n.p.; no. 67, February 1967, cover

Modern Scandinavian Furniture, Ulf Hård af Segerstad, Stockholm, 1963, p. 84

Hans J. Wegner: om Design, exh. cat., Dansk Design Center, Jens Bernsen, Copenhagen, 1995, p.76

Danish Chairs, Noritsugu Oda, San Francisco, 1996, p. 112