Wegner Ox Chair

Overview

The Wegner Ox Chair (Model 1000) is a fully upholstered easy chair in fabric or leather, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1960. Fredericia's page gives 99 cm wide, 92 cm high, seat height 36 cm and a weight of 31 kg; the drawing on the product sheet labels 99 cm for both the side and the front view.

Image source: Fredericia — Wegner Ox Chair · © Fredericia and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Construction

The inner frame is solid wood and moulded cold cured foam. The pads at the neck and armrest include piping, available in leather as a contrast to fabric upholstery. The cover is non-removable. The base is stainless steel, mounted with plastic glides.

Specifications

• Upholstery: 94 fabrics and 17 leathers on the page (Wool, Bouclé, Linen & soft unions; Nubuck, Primo, Vegeta, Max, Cera, Organic)
• Frame: black or brushed stainless steel
• Consumption: 4.5 m of fabric or 13 m² of leather
• Tests: EN 16139:2013 (L2), EN 1022:2005

A departure in 1960

The page says the Ox Chair was introduced in 1960 and marked a departure from the understated language of Scandinavian furniture. Its silhouette is described as inspired by the form of an ox, and the headrest as referencing ox horns.

Image source: Fredericia — Wegner Ox Chair · © Fredericia and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Upholstery craft

Fredericia writes that it was a challenge to produce when it was first launched in 1960 by a Danish manufacturer called AP Workshop. In the late 1980s Wegner turned to Erik Jørgensen for upholstery expertise, and together they introduced modern block foam to the chair. After Fredericia acquired Erik Jørgensen's company in 2020, the workshop, upholsterers and knowledge were kept.