7 Decades of Series 7™
Ever The Sevener - 7 Decades of Series 7™
Sometimes in life you notice something familiar, like it's always been there.
A piece that seamlessly blends into cultures.
A shape of simplicity that knows no borders, embracing every style, favouring none.
A time traveller that brings joy for us generations, proving that great design can be for everyone.
Always iconic, always enduring, ever the sevener.
A chair is never just a chair. It is a typology through which design principles are expressed. In this way, a Danish chair is not merely a functional object – it’s the expression of a cultural narrative that has iterated on the balance between form and function for over a century. The chair has become a central figure in Danish design philosophy: it is a versatile canvas for exploring design principles that combine aesthetics, ergonomics and material integrity. By owning a Danish chair, a person isn’t just purchasing a piece of furniture, they are buying into a philosophy - one that champions a harmonious balance between beauty, comfort, purpose and a deep respect for craftsmanship.
70th anniversary of the Series 7™ Chair
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Series 7™ Chair, affectionately known as the Sevener, we celebrate not just a piece of furniture, but a symbol of timeless design and enduring elegance. Created in 1955 by the renowned Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen, the Series 7™ is a masterpiece of modern furniture design, celebrated for its minimalist, organic shape and unparalleled versatility.
The Origin of the "Sevener"
The Series 7™ stands out with its unique, timeless shape that exudes character without overwhelming the eye. Crafted from nine layers of pressure-moulded veneer, it combines strength, flexibility, and durability, all while maintaining a slender, elegant form. This remarkable design has made it the most popular chair in Fritz Hansen’s collection.
The nickname "Sevener" originates from its designation as Model 3107, part of a series that evolved from Jacobsen’s earlier Ant Chair (Model 3100). Each new iteration in this series was assigned a number, with the Series 7 being the seventh. While this numbering system was initially practical, it has since gained historical significance. The name "Sevener" has become synonymous with the chair's enduring popularity, as it remains the best-selling chair in Fritz Hansen’s collection and one of the most iconic designs, particularly in Denmark.
Universal Appeal
Unlike many of Arne Jacobsen’s other chair designs, the Series 7™ was not created for a specific context. For example, the Ant Chair was custom-made for the canteen at Novo Nordisk, and the Oxford Chair was designed for St. Catherine’s College in Oxford. This lack of a specific context gives the Series 7™ a universal quality, allowing it to blend seamlessly into a variety of settings. Its simple yet distinctive shape has made it a symbol of lasting beauty, immune to passing trends and fashions.
Over the decades, the Series 7™ has continued to grace and elevate the spaces it inhabits with its graceful lines, strength, and versatility. It remains as beloved today as it was when it first debuted, a testament to its timeless appeal. Always iconic, always enduring – ever the Sevener.
Enduring Legacy
As we celebrate 70 years of the Series 7™ Chair, we honour not just a design, but a legacy of innovation, elegance, and timeless beauty. The Sevener continues to be a beloved piece, cherished for its elegance and versatility, and will undoubtedly inspire future generations of design enthusiasts.
Arne Jacobsen
It is said that as a child growing up in Copenhagen, Arne Jacobsen painted over the Victorian wallpaper in his bedroom. But young Arne did not cover his walls with typical childish drawings or paint the ornate wallpaper boyish blue. Instead, he decided to paint his room entirely white. His decision may seem commonplace today, but in the early twentieth century white walls were not yet in fashion. From the very beginning, Arne Jacobsen was ahead of his time.
For more than half of the 20th century, Arne Jacobsen’s ideas shaped the landscape of Danish design, rippling out from Scandinavia to influence architects and designers around the world. He directed projects ranging from complex buildings such as Denmark’s National Bank to humble undertakings that included designing a teaspoon for his cutlery set.
Working with a relatively small studio staff driven by an unquenchable desire to create, Jacobsen’s creative process centred on his strict consideration of detail. He brought his visions to life with meticulous, hand-painted watercolour sketches. In any given year, Jacobsen managed to design what others might produce in five.
Here's to many more years of the Sevener continuing to inspire and elevate spaces around the world.
