Poul Kjærholm

comprising four wall-mounted units, which can be mounted individually or in groups of two, three or four

Private Danish Collection

Poul Kjærholm:  Furniture Architect, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art,  Esberg, Denmark, June 23-September 24, 2006

Christoffer Harlang, Keld Helmer-Petersen and Krestine Kjærholm, eds., Poul Kjærholm, Copenhagen, 2001, pp. 89 and 176 (for the later PK26 model)
Michael Sheridan, Poul Kjærholm:  Furniture Architect, exh. cat., Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Esberg, Denmark, 2006, pp. 105 and 207 (for the later PK26 model)

Overall very good original condition. The current hardware allows for a configuration of three seats and a single seat element. Theoretically, one could hand this work in several combinations. The leather cushions with scattered minor surface scratches, some soiling and minor rubbing concentrated to the ribbing. One of the seat cushions with minor evidence of staining caused likely by water. Another cushion with a scratch that has not broken the surface of the leather, which extends approximately four inches. The original leather is in extraordinary condition given its age. It is still soft and the inner filling has not turned hard. The reverse of the leather cushions with brown fabric and straps to attached to the frame. With minor surface dirt and some discoloration. The metal frames with scattered surface scratches, areas of oxidation and some minor nicks. The webbing on the frames with surface soiling and discolorations. With some paint residue along the feet which rest on the wall, not visible once installed. With later aluminum hardware for hanging the pieces on the wall. The current wall supports are just for exhibition and are not intended as permanent hanging hardware. Please note that the early variants of this model, in the present lot, were created for Erik Christian Sorensen, a professor at the Royal Academy and early admirer of Kjærholm's work and not Chris Sorensen, with whom Kjærholm later collaborated as stated in the catalogue.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This precursor to the PK26 model was designed in a limited number for Erik Christian Sørensen.  A furniture manufacturer and architect, Sørensen approached Kjærholm in 1953 in hopes of producing some of his designs.  The most important chair resulting from this collaboration was the biomorphic molded aluminum chair featured in an exhibition at the Danish Museum of Applied Arts in 1954.  Although their partnership would end in 1955, Kjærholm also designed furniture produced by E. Kold Christensen that was included in the interiors of Sørensen homes.

 

As a pre-production example, the present work is not stamped. The down-filled cushions designed by Kjærholm and Kold Christensen's Ivan Schlecter were replaced in the later examples  starting in 1956 by Kaare Klint-inspired tufted and buttoned upholstery, as Kjærholm found them to lack durability.  This lot is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Hanne Kjærholm.