FH419 Heritage Chair & Footstool, Oiled Walnut Legs, Gray Basel Upholstery / Black Buttons

In 1911, at age 22, Henningsen (1889-1965) completed his cabinetmaker apprenticeship with one of the most recognized cabinetmakers of his day, I.P. Mørck. He then traveled around Europe to gather experience and inspiration, working in Germany, France and Great Britain before returning to Copenhagen in 1915. He opened his own furniture shop, drawing on customer input to better understand demand and improve production processes.

As a member of the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild, Henningsen became a major driver of the furniture exhibitions of the period, gaining recognition for his perfectionist style and vibrant personality. He gave new expression to traditional designs and drew inspiration from the French Empire, rococo, and British 17th-century furniture.

Henningsen was greatly influenced by Kaare Klint, one of his teachers at technical college. The competition that arose between them led to a constant renewal and reinterpretation of furniture craftsmanship on both sides. For Henningsen, it was the furniture item—not its creator—that deserved center stage. This was one of the main reasons his designs never achieved the same popularity as those of some of his contemporaries.

Henningsen's more functional design style developed from historically inspired to simpler, timeless work that remains relevant today. His work is rooted in classic craftsmanship with a design expression that has broad appeal—a combination embodied in his Heritage Chair and his final design, the Signature Chair.

Founded in 1908, Carl Hansen & Søn has developed into one of Denmark's leading design companies today. With more than a century of history, backed by respect and a passion for traditional craftsmanship, we are one of the oldest manufacturers of high-quality furniture in Denmark, and the biggest manufacturer of furniture designed by Hans J. Wegner.

Carl Hansen & Søn's products embody the narrative of the finest classical furniture art, created by some of Denmark's leading architects and designers—including Frits Henningsen, Kaare Klint, Mogens Koch, Poul Kjærholm and Ole Wanscher—as well as the Japanese architect Tadao Ando and the Austrian design trio EOOS.

With solid foundations in Danish traditions of joinery, blended with deep insight into the latest production technology, we make furniture of durable beauty and value, distinguished by full respect for sustainable materials.