hans wegner was a world-renowned danish furniture designer. his high quality and thoughtful work, along with a concerted effort from several of his manufacturers contributed to the international popularity of mid-century danish design. his style is often described as organic functionality, a modernist school with emphasis on functionality. "the chair" best represents wegner's design philosophy of "continuous purification...to cut down to the simplest possible elements of four legs, a seat, and a combined top rail and armrest" the chair was a collaboration of wegner and furniture maker johannes hansen. the construction features 11 pieces ofoak wood joined by 12 mortise and tenons and two large finger joints. the finger joints orient the wood grain as the back rail wraps around the body to maximize material strength. the chair was offered with a solid upholstered seat, or a seat of airy woven caning. it rose to prominence in the 1961 televised debate between richard nixon and john f. kennedy. both presidential candidates sat in the chair during the debate. 'the round one' as wegner referred to it with his usual provincial modesty, is perhaps the most famous danish piece of furniture of them all – which says a bit. already a year after the production of this chair started at johannes hansen møbelsnedkeri a/s, it was noticed by the american magazine for design and architecture, 'interiors'. this turned out to be the beginning of danish design's great international breakthrough. 76 x 63 x 45. seat is 44" high. could use re-upholstering. original black leather exists underneath the 70's woven fabric, however is in poor condition.