Finn Juhl 1912–1989
Finn Juhl was a pioneering designer, famed for his organic, sculptural style, as well as a key proponent of bringing mid-century Scandinavian design to the wider world market. Born in Frederiksberg, Denmark in 1912, Juhl’s father was a textile wholesaler who insisted that his son pursue architecture, rather than studying art history, which was his real passion as a young man. In 1930, he enrolled in the Royal Danish Academy of Art’s School of Architecture in Copenhagan.
After graduating in 1934, Juhl went on to work for architect Vilhelm Lauritzen for eleven years. During this time, monumental shifts were taking place in architectural practice and theory; at the time, historicism was still the predominant style, with a surge of Neoclassism beginning around 1910. By the mid-1930s, functionalism had emerged as both a practical and aesthetic style to meet the changing needs of a rapidly modernizing society. Innovative materials and building methods were developed, creating an entirely new architectural language. Juhl worked on The Radio House (Radiohuset) in Copenhagan with Lauritzen, the headquarters of the national Danish broadcast company. Completed in 1945, it is one of the first major works built in Scandinavia in the prevailing functionalist style.
Auction Results Finn Juhl
Finn Juhl
Chieftain lounge chair
estimate: $70,000–90,000
result: $93,750
Finn Juhl
custom wall-mounted sofa from the Villa K. Kokfeldt, Hellerup, Denmark
estimate: $70,000–90,000
result: $75,000
Finn Juhl
rare lounge chairs model NV-45, pair
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $75,000
Finn Juhl
Early Chieftain lounge chair
estimate: $30,000–50,000
result: $50,000
Finn Juhl
Rare armchairs with adjustable backs, pair
estimate: $40,000–60,000
result: $45,000
Finn Juhl
dining chairs, set of eight
estimate: $7,000–9,000
result: $44,850
Finn Juhl
Egyptian chairs, set of eight
estimate: $30,000–40,000
result: $43,200
Finn Juhl
rare Egyptian chairs, set of eight
estimate: $50,000–70,000
result: $42,500
Finn Juhl
Chieftain chair
estimate: $30,000–40,000
result: $42,000
Finn Juhl
lounge chairs model NV-45, pair
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $40,000
Finn Juhl
Egyptian chairs, set of ten
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $40,000
Finn Juhl
rare settee, model NV-45
estimate: $30,000–50,000
result: $40,000
Finn Juhl
NV45 lounge chairs, pair
estimate: $15,000–20,000
result: $37,500
Finn Juhl
rare sofa
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $37,500
Finn Juhl
lounge chairs model NV-45, pair
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $32,500
Finn Juhl
armchairs model NV-46, pair
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $32,500