The VLA61 ‘Monarch’ chair – sculptural beauty meets functional design

[Advertisement – this is a paid partnership with Carl Hansen & Søn, but all words and opinions are my own.]

Last year Carl Hansen & Søn teamed up with Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects to honour the enduring legacy of its founder, the late Vilhelm Lauritzen, by putting some of his furniture into production. And now they’ve extended the collection by launching another stunning Lauritzen piece: the VLA61 ‘Monarch’ chair.

One of the most significant architects of the mid 20th century, Lauritzen was a pioneer of Danish modernism and responsible for some of the most iconic buildings in Copenhagen, including the ‘Vega’ music venue, Radiohuset and the city’s original airport terminal. At the core of his approach was a belief that architecture is applied art for the people, not a privilege for the few, and he was adept at balancing form and function to create spaces that are beautiful, practical and inviting.

The VLA61 ‘Monarch’ chair dates from 1944 and, like most of Lauritzen’s furniture designs, it was intended for use in a specific building project. But in this case the project never came to fruition and only 10 chairs were ever produced, meaning this marks the first time it’s been made widely available.

The chair is named after the Monarch butterfly, whose wings are said to have inspired its shape, and reflects Lauritzen’s lifetime interest in butterflies. Painstakingly recreated from original sketches, auction catalogue descriptions and old photographs, it’s crafted at Carl Hansen & Søn’s workshop on the Danish island of Funen – a time-consuming process even for experienced cabinetmakers due the curved and double-curved pieces. The attention to detail is incredible: the wooden elements are hand-polished both before and after assembly, and the backrest is only upholstered after it has been mounted to achieve precise finishes around the armrests and legs.

The result is beautifully poetic, with a sculptural form and elegant brass feet, and it looks lightweight yet luxurious at the same time. But is it any good to use? To find out, I borrowed one to try out in my own home.

I put my loaned chair to the test in our dining room, which also serves as a workspace, a social space for meals with family and friends, and a spot for evening board games and wine. I loved the way it fitted in seamlessly amongst the minimalist decor and Victorian architecture, and the buttery soft leather added a subtle touch of warmth to the monochrome scheme.

But what impressed me most about this chair is just how comfortable – and therefore how versatile – it is. The seat is a little wider than most, and the curved backrest gently embraces the body. It’s supportive and cushioned enough to linger in for hours at a time, and it’s ideal for today’s multifunctional homes. It really can be whatever you need it to be, at any time of day: morning coffee chair, desk chair, reading chair, dining chair, lounge chair.

With prices starting at €2,675 (around £2,300) plus VAT, there’s no denying this is an investment piece. But the timeless design and top-quality craftsmanship mean you’ll be using and admiring it for decades to come, and it can adapt with you as your home and needs change. And, this being Carl Hansen, you can send it off for maintenance and repair should you ever need to.

The VLA61 ‘Monarch’ chair is available now from Carl Hansen & Søn flagship stores and dealers worldwide. As well as the oiled oak and leather combination shown above, it’s also available with a soaped oak, a white-oiled oak or a walnut frame, and with gorgeously tactile fabric upholstery in a range of colours.

Last image courtesy of Carl Hansen & Søn; all other photography by Abi Dare