VLA61 Monarch Chair

Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects and Carl Hansen & Søn proudly continue their collaboration with the launch of the VLA61 Monarch chair. In 1944, Lauritzen designed a building project that was never realized, but the VLA61 Monarch Chair that he had designed for the project was produced in 10 copies. Until now, this rare chair has been a coveted collector’s item sold at auctions around the world and is now available to a wider audience for the first time. The VLA61 Monarch Chair is named after the majestic Monarch butterfly, and the name is a tribute to the architect’s keen interest in butterflies, which he diligently studied throughout his life.

“The VLA61 Monarch Chair turned out to be a challenge, as we never found one of the originals. So, we had to work from the architect’s initial sketches, detailed hand drawings, old pictures, and auction descriptions. Together with Carl Hansen & Søn we have focused on getting as close as possible to the original design while giving the chair a contemporary expression through a clear attitude to materials.”

With its generous upholstery, curved armrests and organic, teardrop-shaped curvatures of the bars, the chair embodies an artistic expression that is light and sumptuous at the same time. Details such as the small brass feet and hand-polished joints testify to Vilhelm Lauritzen consistent design signature. Manufacturing the VLA61 Monarch Chair is a complex and time-consuming process for the experienced cabinetmakers at Carl Hansen & Søn, as many of the chair’s parts are curved and double-curved. In addition, all the parts are polished by hand before being assembled, after which the entire chair – especially around the joints – is hand-polished once again to achieve a perfect finish. The backrest is only upholstered after it has been mounted on the chair to achieve precise finishes around the armrests and hind legs – a task requiring the greatest care from Carl Hansen & Søn’s skilled furniture upholsterers.

Available in FSCTM-certified oak (soap, oil or white oil finish) or oiled mahogany with upholstery in Baru textile or leather with brass feet.

Dimensions
27.2" wide by 24" deep by 34.4" overall height / 17.8" seat height

Please allow 10-12 weeks for delivery of the VLA61 Monarch Chairs from Carl Hansen US.