Four Iconic Arne Jacobsen 'Ant' Chairs by Fritz Hansen
Arne Jacobsen designed the 'Ant' in 1952 for use in the canteen of the Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk. It was a groundbreaking design, the first chair to have a seat and back formed by a single piece of plywood.
With it's elegant curves, tripod legs and almost impossibly thin side profile, the 'Ant' became Jacobsen's international break through as an architect. Today it is considered one of the icons of mid-century modern design.
Photo: The canteen at Novo Terapeutisk Laboratorium with Arne Jacobsen's Ant chair and tables, 1950s. / Novo Nordisk History Collection.
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
The items showcased in our gallery are constantly changing – not all items are on display at once.
Please enquire if there is a specific piece you would like to view and we’ll make sure it’s in the gallery.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Ponsonby gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
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Four Iconic Arne Jacobsen 'Ant' Chairs by Fritz Hansen
Note: We showcase a curated edit from the Mr. Bigglesworthy catalogue. Please contact us to view specific items.
Arne Emil Jacobsen (1902-1971) was a renowned Danish architect and furniture designer. Born in Copenhagen, Jacobsen initially aspired to be a painter, but his mother encouraged him to pursue the more secure field of architecture. He studied at the Architecture School at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1924 to 1927.
During his studies, Jacobsen exhibited chair designs at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, where he received a Silver Medal. His early designs were influenced by the rationalist architecture of Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius.
After completing his studies, Jacobsen worked at city architect Poul Holsøe's architectural practice. In 1929, he won a Danish Architect's Association competition for designing the "House of the Future" which was built full scale at the subsequent exhibition in Copenhagen's Forum. This recognition led to Jacobsen setting up his own office.
One of Jacobsen's most iconic achievements is the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, completed in 1960. This project showcased his mastery of integrated design, as he not only designed the building itself but also the interior, furniture, and fixtures. The Egg and Swan chairs, created for the hotel, have since become iconic symbols of mid-century modern design.
In addition to his architectural pursuits, Jacobsen's influence extended to various design disciplines. He designed a range of household items, including cutlery, furniture, and lighting fixtures. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to simplicity made his designs both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.
Arne Jacobsen's legacy endures through his timeless designs, which continue to be celebrated and faithfully produced by premium makers.
