The Little Petra armchair is a creation from Danish architect Viggo Boesen (1907 – 1985) who, in the 1930s and in the style of Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen, introduced “Funkis style”, AKA Scandinavian functionalism, which split away from German or French functionalism with its taste for curving lines and natural materials. Following the example of Finn Juhl, Viggo Boesen liked round and organic shapes, standing out as a radical counterpoint to the cold and somewhat disembodied stiffness of Bauhaus. Launched originally in 1938, the Little Petra armchair immediately received unambitious approval in the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, winning numerous awards during subsequent exhibitions in New York and Berlin. A real precursor to what would later become Danish modernism, Little Petra is a gem fated for a new future. Designed for just a few private clients, the Little Petra armchair was originally made by one of the most renowned cabinet makers of the time, A.J. Iversen, who was decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Dannebrog for his quality craftsmanship. Just thirty pieces were manufactured at the time. &tradition is bringing this wonderful piece to life by reissuing it. Close to the ground, open and welcoming, Little Petra is an extremely comfortable lounge chair which lets you sit in multiple positions. Named after Boesen’s mother-in-law, Little Petra is surprisingly small, compact and expressive, which allows it to fit into all kinds of spaces. You will find Viggo Boesen’s love for cabinet making and noble materials in the choice of the wonderful solid oiled walnut wood base. Martin Kornbek Hansen, founder of &tradition, explains: “Little Petra is a real find from the archives of Danish design. Even though he isn’t very well-known by the general public, Boesen’s work has contributed to Danish aesthetics of the 1930s. We are delighted to honour this original concept, while writing a new chapter in the history books. The Hallingdal fabric is made with wool and viscose: the wool offers excellent resistance and grants great flexibility while the viscose adds a pop and depth to the colour. These two materials are dyed before spinning, bringing out the richness of the material’s texture.

In detail:

Variation : Hallingdal fabric: Grey / Walnut

Brand : &tradition

Designer : Viggo Boesen

Type : Padded armchair

Colour : Grey fabric (Hallingdal 130) / Legs: walnut

Material : Covering: Kvadrat Hallingdal 130 fabric (70% virgin wool, 30% viscose) – Legs: oiled solid walnut  – Frame : solid beechwood and plywood – Wadding: CMHR and polyester wadding – Standard felt glides

Dimensions : L 81 x D 83 cm x H 75 cm – Seat: H 40 cm

Weight : 59.84 lb

Characteristics : Relaunch of the 1938 model designed by the Danish architect, Viggo Boesen (1907 – 1985)