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.

See the range of available fabric/ leathers here
Swatches available in store. Reach our for more options/pricing

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.