1,958 white swans
1958 was the year when this design icon was unveiled: The "swan" by Arne Jacobsen. A jubilee edition limited to 1,958 pieces commemorates the 50th anniversary of this wonderful seating furniture.It has gained popularity worldwide and with its inviting forms it has become synonymous with the true purpose of a lobby, waiting area in a hotel, an office or a living room: as a charming invitation to sit down and relax. The swan is today one of the most famous and popular seating items.
Armchair for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen
Arne Jacobsen, the Danish architect and designer created this design for the lobby of the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen in 1958. Jacobsen remains one of the most influential architects, whose private residences, mansions, housing estates and town halls rank among the pioneering works of modern Scandinavian design prior to WWII. He reinterpreted the shapes of international modernism and infused them with local traditions. He paired functional purity with organic shapes inspired by nature.
Jacobsen‘s architecture is characterised by clear geometric and material-based forms. His most renowned work is the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, which was inaugurated in 1960. Arne Jacobsen designed both the building and the interior. After a series of adaptations the original design is no longer entirely preserved.
Abstract art and botany
In contrast to his architectural works Arne Jacobsen’s design projects drew inspiration from natural shapes. He designed objects that evoke the forms of abstract art, while winning over with distinct and clear lines. An explanation for his distinct design approach could be Jacobsen‘s love of nature – the architect was also a passionate botanist.
White swan – limited edition
The swan seating was manufactured by the Danish firm Fritz Hansen. To commemorate the anniversary the company came up with a special concept: a limited edition of 1,958 swans.
The seat of this unique model is upholstered in white leather and supported by an off-white base. Each swan bears a tag with its individual identification number attached to a thin sterling silver chain. A few pieces of this limited edition will be exhibited in select Bene showrooms starting in November.
Sabine Hirsch
