Lost Danish Treasure unravels Chieftain Chair history
“Lost Danish Treasure”, a fascinating new book by acclaimed Chicago architect Carl D’Silva, shines a spotlight on the story behind the iconic Chieftain Chair by Danish designer Finn Juhl and a long-lost watercolor related to it. D’Silva meticulously uncovers the cultural relevance of the design in post-war Denmark, and its enduring impact on the world of architecture and design.
This captivating book was born out of D’Silva’s interest in a rare artwork he discovered at a community auction. Intrigued, he set out on an exhaustive journey through historical archives and old Danish kingdoms. The result? A compelling account intertwining history and mystery, that takes readers on a thrilling exploration of Danish culture, ancient craftsmanship, and a mysterious painting believed to be lost for centuries.
Not just an exploration of the past, D’Silva’s book also delves into the surprising resurgence of mid-century modern style in the last twenty years.
Unveiling Juhl’s iconic Chieftain Chair
According to him, this renewal of interest in Danish design, exemplified by the Chieftain Chair, extends even into the realms of real estate, particularly in areas like Palm Springs, revered for their 1950s and 60s aesthetics. Through his observations, D’Silva illuminates how design trends are cyclical, reflecting the evolving tastes of different generations.
In a surprising revelation, D’Silva establishes that the original model of the Chieftain Chair, long thought to reside in Juhl’s Copenhagen home, was actually donated to The Art Institute of Chicago by art promoter Muriel Kallis Steinberg Newman back in 1971. Despite the chair undergoing some modifications prior to its donation, D’Silva believes this intriguing tale will resonate with not just design fans, but a broader audience.
The narrative shifts expertly between two timelines, unveiling the intriguing aftermath of the chair’s creation and the relentless endeavor by collectors to piece together its complex past. The story also touches upon Juhl’s agreement with Baker Furniture in the 1950s for a limited production of unique furniture within the US, and how these early reproductions of the Chieftain chair are fast becoming collectibles and vintage design darlings.
The book concludes with the 2021 unveiling of a painting thought to be by Juhl, a defining symbol of Danish modernism that had remained unnoticed until then. This discovery has sparked renewed interest in the breadth of Juhl’s artistic talent, with the art world awaiting more hidden gems from his portfolio.
