On their favourite Scandinavian piece...

On Their Favourite Scandinavian Piece: A Nod to Timeless Craftsmanship and Innovation

When Staffan and Monique Tollgård, the husband-and-wife design duo behind Tollgard Studio, share their favourite Scandinavian design piece, it is no surprise that they lean towards the works of Finn Juhl, one of Denmark's most iconic mid-century designers. Specifically, their beloved piece is the Chieftain Chair, which epitomizes the essence of Scandinavian design—bold yet humble, functional yet striking.

Why the Chieftain Chair?

Finn Juhl’s Chieftain Chair is a masterclass in design that transcends time and place. The chair was first introduced in 1949, and its unique, sculptural form instantly made it a standout piece in the world of modernist design. For Staffan and Monique, it embodies the kind of design that combines innovation with a profound respect for craftsmanship.

What makes the Chieftain Chair so captivating is not just its aesthetic appeal, but also its thoughtful approach to comfort and function. The broad, sweeping curves and large, plush cushions are designed to support the body, providing a seated experience that is as comfortable as it is visually compelling. Yet, despite its size and imposing presence, it never feels excessive—another hallmark of Scandinavian design, where restraint and refinement are key values.

Breaking Boundaries with Form

One of the reasons the Chieftain Chair resonates so strongly with the Tollgårds is its audacity to break away from conventional design norms. Unlike many of the more utilitarian Scandinavian pieces of its time, the Chieftain Chair eschews tradition in favour of bold, sculptural shapes that are avant-garde yet timeless. This was not typical of Scandinavian furniture design in the mid-20th century, which leaned more towards functionalism and modest forms.

Juhl’s work, however, was deeply influenced by his background in architecture, and he approached furniture design in a way that was conceptual rather than formulaic. The Chieftain Chair is an example of how he reimagined what a piece of furniture could be, not merely as an object to be used, but as a work of art in its own right. The Tollgårds are drawn to this bold experimentation with form, as it speaks to their own design ethos of balancing beauty with practicality.

A Fusion of Cultures and Craftsmanship

What is even more remarkable about Finn Juhl’s design philosophy is that, although he was deeply embedded in the Scandinavian design movement, he was not a trained cabinet maker, unlike many of his contemporaries. This set him apart and allowed him to approach design with a fresh perspective. His architectural training led him to focus not only on the aesthetics of the piece but also on how it interacted with the human body and its environment.

The Chieftain Chair’s form was inspired by the natural world and human anatomy, making it not only an artistic statement but also a functional piece that people could engage with physically. The chair also exemplifies the Scandinavian penchant for honest materials, using wood in a way that highlights its natural beauty and grain. The result is a design that feels both organic and refined, with no need for excessive ornamentation.

Enduring Appeal

Despite the Chieftain Chair’s initial reception—where some critics found it too experimental and unfamiliar—it has endured as a cornerstone of Scandinavian design. Its appeal lies in its timelessness. The chair was ahead of its time and, even decades after its creation, it still feels remarkably modern and relevant.

For Staffan and Monique, the enduring appeal of the Chieftain Chair is a reminder that great design transcends trends and speaks to a deeper sense of human connection. This is a quality they aim to bring into all of their own design projects. Whether working on a cozy townhome in London or a sprawling villa in the Middle East, they always seek to design spaces and pieces that feel rooted in place and purpose.

Designing with a Story

The Chieftain Chair also represents something important about Scandinavian design at large: storytelling through objects. Juhl’s design is not just about creating a functional object, but about evoking a feeling, a connection, and a story. It’s a philosophy that the Tollgårds echo in their own work, ensuring that each piece they incorporate into their projects carries with it a narrative that resonates with the inhabitants of the space.

For the Tollgårds, the Chieftain Chair’s design story goes beyond its sculptural form and functionality. It is a piece that, like the red thread concept they often reference in their work, weaves together the essence of design, culture, and craftsmanship. It’s a symbol of how Scandinavian design remains a perfect balance of bold innovation and timeless elegance, always grounded in a respect for both form and function.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Finn Juhl and Scandinavian Design

As the Tollgårds reflect on their favourite piece of Scandinavian design, the Chieftain Chair stands as a testament to the region’s ability to produce works of design that transcend time and place. It reminds us that Scandinavian design is not just about creating beautiful objects, but about challenging conventions, embracing experimentation, and creating lasting connections between people, spaces, and the world around them.

The legacy of Finn Juhl lives on in pieces like the Chieftain Chair, which continues to inspire designers today, including the Tollgårds. Their own designs are a direct reflection of the Scandinavian philosophy they hold dear: simplicity, honesty, and a commitment to human connection. And in the case of the Chieftain Chair, it is a bold, sculptural reminder that great design can stand the test of time, just as relevant now as it was when it was first introduced over 70 years ago.