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There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about ‘Windsor’ chairs – the overarching term for a spindle-back design that’s existed in one form or another for hundreds of years. To me, they speak of cosy hearths, farmhouse kitchens and remote woodland cabins, and they always look very inviting
. So, I was delighted to see that, after a 19-year hiatus, Carl Hansen & Søn is relaunching its FH38 ‘Windsor’ chair – a pared-back Scandinavian take on the classic piece that was created by Danish architect and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in 1938 and then remained in production until 2003.
Named after the English market town from where many of them were shipped, ‘Windsor’ chairs as we recognise them today were the result of early 18th-century developments in steam-bending techniques. But their history stretches back much further than this and many think the design initially evolved from earlier ‘stick-back’ chairs made in Wales, Ireland and the West Country. Whatever their origins, they’ve become synonymous with practical, homely elegance and appear in various guises around the world, becoming especially popular in North America after a few were imported by the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, Patrick Gordon, in 1726.
Henningsen’s version of the ‘Windsor’ chair is made from solid oak and requires several highly skilled processes. The upper part consists of two steam-bent sections, one forming the arch and the other extending around the back to become the armrest. The 14 spindles gently fan out at slightly different angles to provide comfortable support, and are tightened in place at the same time without the use of any glue. The seat is gently dipped and shaped for comfort, and the transitions and armrests are all sanded by hand using what’s known as the ‘feel test’. The result is a beautiful chair that balances classic references with Scandinavian simplicity – and reflects the fact that Henningsen was a trained carpenter who placed as much emphasis on joinery and craftsmanship as he did on aesthetics. What’s more, each and every one is unique, with a visible grain that adds a wonderful depth.
The FH38 was originally conceived as a dining chair, but it’s also perfect for lounging – and the traditional-meets-contemporary expression means it fits seamlessly into all sorts of different interiors. To show how versatile it is, I borrowed one to try out in a fireside corner of my own home, where I styled it in two different ways.
For the first look, I kept things fairly rustic, with a sheepskin rug, woven artwork, stoneware vases, and linen cushions in beige and sage green.
For the second look, I went for a slightly more contemporary but no less cosy scheme, pairing it with a grey woollen blanket, abstract contemporary art and a sleek matt vase.
In both instances, I love the way the smooth oak contrasts with the different textures, and the way the chair’s curves make a statement without overwhelming my minimalist decor. And it really is comfortable – I could happily linger in it for hours with a book and a cup of coffee, and it struck me as the perfect piece for the chilly autumn and winter months ahead.
As well as the oiled oak shown above, the FH38 ‘Windsor’ chair comes in a darker smoked oil and a paler soaped finish (below). There’s also the option of adding a leather seat pad for extra comfort. It’s a design with an extensive history, but one that works brilliantly in 21st-century homes – and whichever colour you choose, I’m sure it will endure long into the future, too.
The relaunched FH38 ‘Windsor’ chair is available to buy now, with prices starting at £1,590 / €1,875. You can find details of Carl Hansen & Søn flagship stores and stockists worldwide here.
Last image via Carl Hansen & Søn; all other photography by Abi Dare
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