A set of 6 rare high back lounge version Arne Jacobsen, for Fritz Hansen Oxford chairs in vibrant Ferrari red coloured velvet with revolving chrome bases. (Please note that whilst this is priced as a set of six I would be happy to sell these chairs in sets of 2 if required, please contact me for details).
 
The Oxford chair was originally designed in 1963 for the professors at St. Catherine’s College at the University of Oxford, England, and were delivered in 1964, with the first production models entering the Fritz Hansen catalogue in 1965. Commissioned by the College in the early 1960s Jacobsen was charged with designing an elegant, high-backed chair for the refectory. The chair was dubbed the Professor chair because it was used at the high table in the dining hall reserved for the Fellows of the college. The high-backed design evokes a sense of authority - almost like a modern reinterpretation of traditional high-backed chairs used in formal settings and elevated the Fellows above the other staff and pupils who sat at tables with benches. 
 
The design utilised a handmade seat and back made from a single plywood shell shaped to match the curvature of the human back; the height of the chair was intended to reflect the academic prestige of the institution while providing practical comfort for faculty members whilst dining, but also when adapted for meetings and discussions. 
 
Jacobsen may not have seemed an obvious fit for such a stuffy English establishment but his reputation as one of Denmark’s leading modernist architects and designers was well established by the early 1960s. It was his proven ability to integrate architecture and furniture design into a cohesive whole which drew him to the attention of St. Catherine’s College, which was looking for a more modern and sophisticated aesthetic. The resulting design was a great success and became a model of refinement and functional elegance, embodying Jacobsen’s belief that furniture should seamlessly integrate with its environment rather than stand apart as mere decoration.
 
The Evolution of the Design
The original version of the Oxford Chair had, and still has, an almost monolithic presence. It towered above any other chair of its generation and was upholstered and set on a simple metal base, reinforcing Jacobsen’s preference for clean, unembellished lines. Over time, the chair evolved into multiple versions, including mid-back and low-back variants, broadening its usability beyond the academic setting.
 
Despite its formal origins, the chair’s ergonomic considerations make it suitable for office and conference environments but also fits within a domestic setting too. The gentle curve of the backrest provides support without unnecessary ornamentation, aligning with Jacobsen’s focus on function over form. Today, the Oxford Chair remains a staple in contemporary offices, boardrooms, and homes proving its adaptability to other design sectors.
 
Here we have the last, and rarest, iteration of the chair into a high back, lower slung lounge chair. This version was adapted from the original design and was specifically designed for prestigious reception or lounge areas such as 1st class airport lounges and the executive presentation suites of the top echelon automobile manufacturerers. As such it was only ever produced in strictly limited numbers, and only made to order rather than being available through the main Fritz Hansen catalogue.   
 
These particular chairs date from 2005 and are presented in very good pre-loved condition with just minor marks and some small dents in the velvet upholstery as expected. There are no, holes rips or tears in the upholstery and the chrome frames are in very good condition with no rust. Each chair also benefits from the original Fritz Hansen manufacturer’s label attached to the base under the seat as shown in the accompanying photos.  
 
Production and the Role of Fritz Hansen
Jacobsen had a long-standing relationship with Danish manufacturer Fritz Hansen, whose expertise in production techniques helped bring many of his designs to life. The company was integral to the Danish modern movement, working with other key designers such as Hans J. Wegner and Børge Mogensen. Their collaboration with Jacobsen was particularly significant, as they translated his often ambitious design concepts into commercially viable pieces.
 
The Oxford Chair’s production, as an example, ensured that it maintained the same level of craftsmanship and material quality associated with Jacobsen’s demanding vision. Fritz Hansen has also continued to refine the chair, offering it in various finishes, including fabric and leather upholstery, with both swivel and static bases. This adaptability has kept the chair relevant in the ever changing landscape of interior design.
 
Arne Jacobsen
Born in 1902 in Copenhagen, Arne Jacobsen trained as an architect at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. His early work was influenced by the functionalist movement, and he gained international recognition with projects such as the Bellavista housing complex in Klampenborg and later the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, which featured some of his most iconic furniture designs.
Jacobsen’s approach was rooted in the belief that architecture and design should be seamlessly integrated. His furniture designs were never conceived in isolation but rather as part of a broader vision for interior spaces. His ability to balance functionality with aesthetic clarity made him one of the most influential figures in 20th-century design.
 
The Oxford Chair remains as a testament to Jacobsen’s ability to create furniture that is both aesthetically compelling and practically minded. It sits comfortably within his wider body of work, bridging the gap between architecture and furniture design with the same rigor and attention to detail. It may not be as sculptural as the Egg or Swan chairs, but it is no less significant. 
 
While originally designed for a very specific context, the chair’s endurance in modern interiors is a testament to Jacobsen’s broader design philosophy: simplicity, functionality, and a respect for materials. It is not a piece, like the Egg chair, that demands attention but rather one that quietly asserts its presence - an enduring hallmark of effective design.
 
Please note that whilst this set is priced as a set of six I would be happy to sell these chairs in sets of 2 if required at a cost of £2,000 GBP per set of 2 - please contact me for details.
 
 
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