Since its establishment in 1911, Fredericia has cultivated a proud tradition of unsurpassed craftsmanship, innovative design, and design thinking. The brand’s rich heritage embodies an exceptional design archive, showcasing undeniable classics, a profound understanding of furniture, and a commitment to craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Their 3daysofdesign exhibition, ‘Crafting the Present,’ on display at their headquarters in Copenhagen, showcases the craft processes, tools, and makers behind the brand’s furniture, revealing how iconic designs by luminaries such as Hans J. Wegner and Børge Mogensen have been subtly adapted to meet today’s standards.
Curated by Danish designer Maria Bruun, known for her Pioneer and Islets Collection, the exhibition included dedicated sessions led by Thomas and Rasmus Graversen, the family behind Fredericia. They shared insights on how their proud heritage influences contemporary design and fosters ongoing innovation.
“We are privileged with a legacy of iconic designs but also a legacy of craft and an appetite for innovation and collaboration. A tradition formed by techniques, tools, materials, and, most importantly, people. It is a culture of design that can only thrive when it is being put into use, nudged, and sometimes transformed,” CEO Rasmus Graversen says, 3rd generation of the family behind Fredericia.
In partnership with Cult Design
Referencing Ox horns, a voluminous body, and a delicate frame, Hans J. Wegner’s Ox Chair exemplifies Wegner’s profoundly organic and artistic approach to furniture design and expresses his ambition to redefine traditional norms.
‘Crafting the Present’ focuses on Fredericia’s renowned pieces including the Børge Mogensen’s 2204 Wing chair and Hans J. Wegner’s Ox chair. Both pieces are handmade by their expert upholsterers in Svendborg, Denmark.
Børge Mogensen’s Spanish chair handmade by craftspeople from the workshop in Fredericia city and skilled saddlemakers from the esteemed Tärnsjö Tannery in Sweden.
Created for Fredericia in 1958, the inspiration behind the Spanish chair’s extraordinary design stemmed from a family trip to Andalucia, where he experienced the Spanish medieval style of furniture construction.
Focusing on Fredericia’s renowned pieces such as Børge Mogensen’s 2204 Wing chair, Spanish chair, and Hans J. Wegner’s Ox chair, the exhibition featured live demonstrations from both the workshop production team and artisans at leather manufacturer Tärnsjö Garveri, who have been tailoring pieces for Mogensen’s Spanish Collection for over 60 years.
“At Fredericia, craft is a fundamental value that permeates the entire company, from its staff and production processes to, essentially, the final products. The exhibition features skilled craftsmen and women who contribute their expertise in upholstery and leatherwork daily. Their enduring dedication to blending craftsmanship with industrial production has shaped both the history and future of Fredericia’s production,” says Maria Bruun, designer and curator of ‘Crafting the Present.’
In keeping with Fredericia’s commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness, every object from the exhibition will be reused after its conclusion. Since the exhibition features actual objects from daily furniture, these items will return to production or travel to new exhibitions around the world.
‘Crafting the Present’ is available to view at the Fredericia Copenhagen Showroom until June 27th, 2024.
The Wing chair is crafted using a signature material in Mogensen’s designs – bull hide, which is less elastic and provides the sturdy support needed to maintain the shape of a Mogensen sofa for generations.
Rasmus Graversen, CEO of Fredericia, sought to honor the brand’s culture of craftsmanship.