Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 21

Single Mid-Century Modern Chair in Oak Walnut by Jens Risom, USA, c. 1960s

$995List Priceper item

About the Item

Introducing a "General Purpose" arm chair designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design. Constructed from a mix of solid and molded oak and walnut plywood and featuring an audaciously sculpted back bent to the perfect angel for maximum support this now iconic "GP" chair is the epitome of utilitarian design. Designed and crafted in the late 1960's by Jens Risom Designs, consequently the zenith of Risom's career and subsequent fame, this Mid-Century Modern armchair is a true American gem. Jens Risom is widely considered to be a pioneer in introducing Danish modern furniture to the United States through early work with the Knoll company and to a greater extent through his own company, which thrived in the 1950s and ’60s. Born in Denmark in 1916, Risom emigrated to the U.S. where he teamed up with Hans Knoll to start a decades-long collaboration between the two icons. Risom served in World War II under Gen. George Patton and upon his return to the civilian world he founded his own company, Jens Risom Design, in 1946. Jens Risom Design produced a long line of accomplished pieces that ended up in such places as the Oval Office and his "Risom Lounge Chair" is a part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Throughout his life, Risom stayed true to the fundamental Danish approach to modernism, with its emphasis on traditional values and the human necessity for warmth, beauty and simplicity. Perfect for office, studio or home settings alike this impressive GP chair is ideal for collectors and designers alike searching for an authentic, American Mid-Century Modern chair that is simultaneously understated and stylish, utilitarian and comfortable. With elegant curves, a floating seat that is gently molded for maximum comfort and the ability to stack when not in use this versatile chair is ideal for those who are limited on space, but unwilling to compromise on style. Make it yours today before they're gone forever. *Note - currently last set of eight of original set of 12 available. ---Dimensions--- Width: 25 in / 63.5 cm Depth: 22 in / 55.88 cm Height: 32 in / 81.28 cm Seat Height: 15.5 in / 39.37 cm Arm Height: 26 in / 66.04 cm Save for a few minor veneer repairs, this "General Purpose" chair by Jens Risom is in original, vintage condition. Each chair does show signs of vintage wear such as the above mentioned veneer repairs as well as scratches and minor discoloration (all of which can be seen in the detail photos provided). With that said this iconic chair is in overall very good, patinaed condition. This Jens Risom GP chair is incredibly comfortable, structurally solid and ready for a literal lifetime more of use. Please view all photos for details on this chair's current condition. We're limited on the amount of media we can post, so given the inherent nuance of each chair's individual condition we recommend requesting additional photos and videos for a comprehensive view.

Creator:
Jens Risom (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 25 in (63.5 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)
Style:
Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Oak,Walnut
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
1960
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Please see the listing body for the full condition details.
Seller Location:
Deland, FL
Reference Number:
Seller: AM02175-11stDibs: LU7413238767742

Shop All Jens Risom

Jens Risom

The Danish-born Jens Risom brought the Scandinavian modern design sensibility to a wide audience in the United States. As the first designer for Knoll Inc., Risom introduced American buyers to the region’s enduring design values of simplicity, grace and craftsmanship.

Risom trained in furniture making at the Copenhagen School of Industrial Arts and Design under Ole Wanscher, alongside classmates Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. In 1939, a year after graduating from business school, Risom decided to move to the U.S.

While working for an interior designer in New York in 1941, he met Hans Knoll, and the businessman and the designer hit it off. They brought out their first line the next year, despite wartime materials restrictions. The signature piece — now a design icon — was a lounge chair with a striking, undulant birch frame and a seat made of webbed sub-military grade parachute straps. Risom was drafted into the army, and served as a translator under General George Patton. When he returned from the war, Risom clashed over furniture design ideals with his business partner’s new bride, Florence Knoll, the pioneering mid-century modernist who was schooled in the Bauhaus method, which favored furniture with strict, geometric metal frames. Risom then started his own company, Jens Risom Design.

In the course of his long career, Risom developed a stylistic vocabulary that was a reflection of the life of the man himself: his furniture has Danish warmth coupled with an American air of crisp efficiency. Vintage Risom chairs are almost instantly recognizable — the arms and seat backs are set at a distinctive angle that seems to invite people to sit back and relax, yet they know they can hop up in an instant, ready to go.

As you will see on these pages, Jens Risom is one of the great men of American modern design who made furniture that is unique and timeless.

Find a collection of vintage Jens Risom furniture on 1stDibs that includes lounge chairs, desks, coffee tables and more.

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Leather Walnut Armchair By Jens Risom

$3,200

H 32 in W 24 in D 22 in

Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Upholstered Walnut Arm Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Upholstered Walnut Arm Chair. Featuring a straight line design, wooden frame with slanted arms, new gray upholstery, and a beautif...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Upholstered Walnut Arm Chair

$1,250

H 31.5 in W 25.25 in D 23 in

Pair Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of beautifully restored, model C-120 armchairs by Jens Risom feature sculptural, solid walnut frames with textured, steel blue tweed upholstery. A truly handsome pair of armchai...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Pair Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs by Jens Risom

$5,400 / set

H 31 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Risom/Marble Corporation Walnut Armchair

By Jens Risom

Located in West Chester, PA

Jens Risom solid walnut arm chair with the original burnt orange upholstery for Risom/Marble Corporation with the original tags intact underneath.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Risom/Marble Corporation Walnut Armchair

$599

H 33 in W 22 in D 25 in

1960 s Jens Risom Walnut Desk chair

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

1960's mid-century modern walnut desk or side armchair designed by Jens Risom, fully restored and re-upholstered in in boucle fabric, with minor wear and patina due to age and use. ...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

1960 s Jens Risom Walnut Desk chair

$2,400

H 29 in W 24.5 in D 27 in

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Armchairs By Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This pair of mid-century modern armchairs by Jens Risom feature lacquered walnut legs with fully upholstered bodies in moss green tweed that is in keeping with Scandinavian color tre...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Armchairs By Jens Risom

$5,200 / set

H 32 in W 24 in D 24 in

Vintage Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Style Chair In Black Leather

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Style Chair In Black Leather This gorgeous Mid Century Modern Jens Risom 108 style walnut chair is newly upholste...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Vintage Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Style Chair In Black Leather

$2,995

H 34 in W 23 in D 26.5 in

Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Playboy Lounge Chair, 1960s

By Jens Risom

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous mid-century modern "Playboy" lounge chair or club chair By Jens Risom USA, 1960s Sculpted solid walnut frame, with original tan upholstery. Measures: 22.25"W x...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Playboy Lounge Chair, 1960s

$1,255

H 31.75 in W 22.25 in D 23 in

1960 s Jens Risom Style Walnut Armchairs

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

1960's mid-century modern walnut and fabric armchairs in the style of Jens Risom, fully restored and re-upholstered, with minor wear and patina due to age and use.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

1960 s Jens Risom Style Walnut Armchairs

$1,800 / set

H 31 in W 21.5 in D 23 in

1960s Set of Seven Jens Risom Design Model C-108 Dining Arm Chairs in Walnut

By Jens Risom

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a set of seven American Walnut Armchairs, Model C-108, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Designs in 1948 shortly after his departure from Knoll. This set dates to the 1960s, a...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

1960s Set of Seven Jens Risom Design Model C-108 Dining Arm Chairs in Walnut

$11,500 / set

H 32.25 in W 24 in D 24 in

More From This Seller

View All

Lounge Chair in Walnut and Original Fabric in Manner of Jens Risom, USA, 1960s

By Jens Risom

Located in Deland, FL

As comfortable as it is visually striking this stately arm chair, in 100% original vintage condition, is idea for office settings. Featuring intricate finger joints and a frame const...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Lounge Chair in Walnut and Original Fabric in Manner of Jens Risom, USA, 1960s

$1,600

Set of Two 2 Jens Risom Armchairs / Accent Chairs on Walnut Frames, USA, 1960s

By Jens Risom

Located in Deland, FL

This set of chairs is for the collector with exceptional taste, as it is one of the more profound designs by Jens Risom. Upholstered in original red knit fabric. Constructed on a sol...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Set of Two 2 Jens Risom Armchairs / Accent Chairs on Walnut Frames, USA, 1960s

$3,200 / set

Set of 6 Model C140 "Playboy" by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, USA, c. 1960s

By Jens Risom

Located in Deland, FL

Introducing a newly restored set of two iconic Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs designed by the influential Jens Risom with accompanying side chairs designed in the manner of Risom. The ...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Set of 6 Model C140 "Playboy" by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, USA, c. 1960s

$5,995 / set

Set of Two 2 Lounge Chairs in Walnut Vinyl After Jens Risom, USA, c. 1960 s

By Jens Risom

Located in Deland, FL

As comfortable as they are visually striking this stately set of arm chairs, in 100% original vintage condition, is idea for office settings. Featuri...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Set of Two 2 Lounge Chairs in Walnut Vinyl After Jens Risom, USA, c. 1960 s

$3,200 / set

Set of 2 Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs Jens Risom, Jens Risom Design, USA, 1960 s

By Jens Risom

Located in Deland, FL

Introducing a newly restored set of iconic Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs designed by the influential Jens Risom. The "Playboy" derivation was coined after a July 1961 Playboy article o...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Set of 2 Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs Jens Risom, Jens Risom Design, USA, 1960 s

$3,895

Early Jens Risom Model 108 Arm Chair for Risom Designs in Walnut, USA, c. 1950s

By Jens Risom

Located in Deland, FL

A rare and elegant 1950's walnut armchair, Model 108, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Designs Inc. This collectable chair is found in it's original Naugahyd...

Category