Arguably one of the most iconic and recognisable pieces of furniture in Danish design history, Arne Jacobsen's classic Egg™ Chair has earned a place in the hearts of many.
The chair was created in 1958 as part of a full-scale design of the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen by architect Arne Jacobsen. Impressively, Jacobsen was instrumental in designing not only the hotel building but also almost everything that went inside it, including all the furniture, lighting, signage, textiles - and even the cutlery and glassware.
The Egg was one of Jacobsen’s most impressive creations, developed using a new technique, containing an inner shell made of foam within an outer upholstery. Unique in shape at the time, it is both comfortable and practical, providing the user with a degree of privacy - something you might desire while sitting in a busy hotel foyer.
The Egg is a highly desirable object for every setting, from home to the office. But how do you ensure you are buying the real deal and not one of the many fakes that abound?
The first thing to think about is the cost. If the price of your Egg chair seems too good to be true, it probably is.
With a bit of care, you will be able to tell whether it is a fake when you examine it. Here are a few things to look out for:
- The label. An authentic Egg chair should have a proper label. Those made before 2010 will sport a red tag, while those made since have a brown one. Each chair will have the authentic Republic of Fritz Hansen logo. If it is an older model, it may have a serial number under the base.
- The stitching. An authentic Egg chair is a thing of beauty and a fine example of craftsmanship. There will not be any creases, folds or wrinkles on the stitching. Experts say if you can pinch the fabric, it is not a true Egg. Note that leather models will have two pieces of leather at the side, joined together. If there is any other stitching, it is a fake.
- The recliner. The quality of reclining in a true Egg chair is excellent and precise. If the reclining handle looks cheap, or the chair won’t recline properly, it will be a fake; however, note that some models - including the older ones - do not recline.
- The dimensions. An Egg chair is always a specific size; 107cm (42.1in) high, 86cm (33.9in) wide, and has a seat height of 37cm (14.6in). - Check for a certificate. Perhaps the best way to ensure you are buying an authentic Egg chair is to make sure you obtain it from a reputable company like Skandium, which will provide you with a certificate of authenticity with your purchase.
