Poul Kjaerholm, PK-22 for Kold Christensen

POUL KJÆRHOLM (Denmark, 1929–1980) for Kold Christensen.
PK-22 lounge chair in Satin-brushed Spring steel frame, upholstered in original cognac leather. Designed in 1956.
Some signs of wear considering the age.
Produced by Kold Christensen, with stamp in steel frame.
Measurements: 71 x 63 x 63 cm. Seat high 35 cm.

Designed by Poul Kjærholm in the mid-20th century, the PK22 armchairs are among the most refined examples of modern Danish design. Trained as a cabinetmaker and later as a designer, Kjærholm developed a body of work characterized by structural precision and the innovative use of industrial materials.

The PK22 model stands out for its minimalist and balanced construction: a lightweight steel frame supports a seat of taut leather that conforms to the body, creating a combination of comfort and formal rigor. The clean lines and absence of superfluous elements reflect a pursuit of essentiality, where each component serves both a technical and an aesthetic function.

Poul Kjærholm was a Danish designer trained at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. In 1958, he gained international attention for his contribution to the “Formes Scandinaves” exhibition held in Paris, and that same year he won the Lunning Prize for his PK 22 chair. In 1957 and 1960, he was awarded the Grand Prize at the Milan Triennale, and in 1959 he was elected to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

Today, his designs are held in prominent design collections, including those of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the MOMA in New York.