Fredericia Reissues the 1953 Ditzel Lounge Chair by Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel

The Ditzel Lounge Chair was designed in 1953 by the Danish duo Nanna Ditzel (1923–2005) and Jørgen Ditzel (1921–1961), and is now produced by Danish furniture manufacturer Fredericia.

Nanna Ditzel studied cabinetmaking and graduated from the Royal Danish Academy’s furniture school in 1946, the same year she married Jørgen Ditzel.

Together they ran a design studio until Jørgen’s death in 1961 at the age of 40. During this period the couple produced a remarkable body of work exploring new forms and functions in Danish furniture, including the Ring Chair of 1958, the ND83 armchair of 1952, and the Hanging Egg Chair of 1959. Nanna continued designing for another four decades, later becoming head designer at Fredericia in the early 1980s, and is credited with the Trinidad Chair of 1992.

The 1953 Lounge Chair offers a generous, clearly defined form designed to be attractive from all angles. It is made without loose cushions, relying instead on a moulded structure with a sculptural, naturally curved back and armrests that embrace the sitter. The frame consists of solid wood legs mounted with metal threads. The body is moulded in cold-cured foam reinforced with a steel frame, upholstered in fabric or leather with matching piping. Contrasting leather piping is available on request. The cover is non-removable.

Fredericia notes that the chair has been certified with the Greenguard Gold Certification, meeting strict chemical emissions standards to support indoor air quality. The chair is suited to hotel lobbies, reception areas, high-end lounges, executive suites, and private residences.

Nanna Ditzel was awarded the Lunning Prize in 1956 and received silver medals at the Milan Triennale in 1951, 1954, and 1957. In 1996 she was elected Honorary Royal Designer for Industry in London.