Arne Jacobsen Oxford high-backed chair

In 1963 the heads of St. Catherine?s College in Oxford commissioned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen to design an extension to the college, as well as the gardens, the furniture, and in typical Jacobsen style, the cutlery, lampshades, clocks, and numerous other design details.

Jacobsen designed the Oxford chair in both high-back and low-back versions. Made of one continuous piece of plywood (originally sans upholstery) the chair ergonomically supported the natural curves of the body; and its natural wood and curving back added organic form and warmth to the striking glass and concrete modern buildings.

Jacobsen intended the elegant and sophisticated high-back chairs for the professors of St. Catherine?s College as the elongated back served as a symbol of prestige. The swivelling base facilitated conversation and interaction while the high-back allowed for privacy.

Following the success of the chairs, Fritz Hansen launched the Oxford series in 1965 adding upholstery and padding to the chair.