In 1951, Finn Juhl designed an extra-long version of his asymmetrical and sculptural Wall Sofa for a private villa for the timber merchant W. F. Aubertin. Now, the special edition of the Wall Sofa is being relaunched by House of Finn Juhl at the reclaimed Museum Jorn in Silkeborg, Denmark.
Finn Juhl’s wall-mounted sofa is the epitome of groundbreaking Danish design, and the shorter and more well-known version has been on permanent display at the National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum) in Trondheim, Norway, since 1952. That year, Finn Juhl was commissioned by art historian and museum director Thorvald Krohn-Hansen to design an exhibition space for modern furniture and crafts that reflected the interior design trends of the time. The interior included the organically shaped sofa, which demonstrates both Finn Juhl’s fascination with modern abstract art and his desire to defy gravity and create a sense of movement in his designs.
Finn Juhl went on to use the Wall Sofa in several interiors, but the extra-long version of the sofa has never been in continuous production. Today, the Wall Sofa Aubertin is being relaunched at Museum Jorn in a dedicated space that serves as the museum’s interpretation of the room at the National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design in Trondheim—both in terms of color scheme, furnishings, and art.
The Wall Sofa Aubertin, which can accommodate up to six people, now becomes part of House of Finn Juhl’s permanent collection and is, like the rest of the collection, made to order.
In the newly designed room at Museum Jorn, the Wall Sofa Aubertin is featured alongside Finn Juhl’s Ross Coffee Table, the Fireplace Chair, and the Panel System, as well as a sculpture by the Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson.
FINN JUHL’S DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Finn Juhl’s fully upholstered furniture from the 1940s and early 1950s is highly original. No other designer took such a radical approach, translating the modern sculptural language of the time into furniture art with an almost surreal sense of form.
The asymmetrical upholstered backrest floats—almost like a René Magritte-inspired cloud—above the equally floating seat, both supported and connected by an almost invisible frame. The unique shape of the backrest is designed to accommodate the human body, allowing for comfortable sitting or reclining in multiple ways.
Like many of Finn Juhl’s other designs, the Wall Sofa received a mixed reception when it was first introduced to the public. Norwegian master cabinetmaker Erling Mobeck was particularly critical of its unconventional form. He wrote: “At one end, the backrest was sharply elevated with a pronounced curve. When looking at such a piece, one inevitably asks: What is the intention?”.
THE ART CONNECTION
For the first time, the long version of the Wall Sofa is presented at Museum Jorn in the city of Silkeborg alongside other Finn Juhl pieces in an elegant corner where the design connects with both the nature and the architecture. Meanwhile, the room’s interior embodies the democratic ideal of making art and craftsmanship accessible to all—just as Asger Jorn himself aspired to.
Museum Jorn is surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of central Jutland. It houses Denmark’s second-largest art collection, featuring works by Asger Jorn and Per Kirkeby, as well as Denmark’s most extensive collection of CoBrA art. Finn Juhl himself was inspired by artists such as Asger Jorn, Sonja Ferlov Mancoba, Erik Thommesen, Jean Arp, and Sigurjón Ólafsson, whom he frequently incorporated into his interiors in the 1940s and 1950s. Now, House of Finn Juhl and Museum Jorn are reestablishing this natural connection between Finn Juhl’s furniture and the museum’s remarkable art collection.
The museum originates from Asger Jorn’s donations between 1953 and 1973, which grew so significantly that Silkeborg decided to establish a museum dedicated to the collection. Since its opening in 1982, Museum Jorn has evolved into a cultural institution, showcasing modern art and international special exhibitions.
In the newly designed room at Museum Jorn, the Wall Sofa Aubertin is featured alongside Finn Juhl’s Ross Coffee Table, the Fireplace Chair, and the Panel System, as well as a sculpture by the Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson.
Villa Aubertin was built in 1952 and is located in Nakskov, Denmark. In the living room, the Wall Sofa is displayed alongside two 45 Chairs and custom-designed hanging cabinets facing the dining area. Photo: Aage Strüwing © Jørgen Strüwing
More design by Finn Juhl:
Finn Juhl’s Extended Aubertin Wall Sofa Returns in a New Conceptual Realm
In 1951, Finn Juhl designed an extra-long version of his asymmetrical and sculptural Wall Sofa …
Exhibition OneCollection & Finn Juhl – Anarchy, Legacy and Vision
Anarchy, Legacy and Vision A special exhibition at Ringkøbing Museum tells the story of how …
Finn Juhl’s American Dream: The Relaunch of the Kettelhut Chair
As with many of Finn Juhl’s designs, this year’s relaunch is surrounded by a certain …
House of Finn Juhl Draws Inspiration from Rediscovered Watercolour for Limited Anniversary Edition of the Chieftain Chair
75th Anniversary: House of Finn Juhl Draws Inspiration from Rediscovered Watercolour for Limited Anniversary Edition …
House of Finn Juhl Revives a Piece of Design History with the Launch of the Hulsø Shelf
House of Finn Juhl will make their first appearance at the Maison & Objet fair …
Finn Juhl’s Reading Chair is now being introduced in a new version entirely in oak – House of Finn Juhl
Finn Juhl’s Reading Chair is now being introduced in a new version entirely in oak. The …
A Classic Finn Juhl Piece in New Tones: The Reading Chair is Now Available in Ash – House of Finn Juhl
During 2023, House of Finn Juhl presents the Reading Chair by Finn Juhl in a selection …
House of Finn Juhl Relaunches Finn Juhl’s Perhaps Least Iconic Chair @ 3daysofdesign
Finn Juhl is renowned for his iconic furniture designs and for revolutionising the Danish furniture …
House of Finn Juhl Reissues the Fireplace Chair as a Testament to the Resurgence of Danish Craftsmanship
House of Finn Juhl is delighted to announce the relaunch of the Fireplace Chair, a …
The Bone Chair – FinnJuhl’s Personal Favourite is reintroduced – House of Finn Juhl
Finn Juhl’s 44 Chair, also known as the Bone Chair, is being reintroduced by House …
Finn Juhl’s Extravagant Whisky Chair is Being Relaunched – House of Finn Juhl
The Whisky Chair was designed by Finn Juhl in 1948 and is characterized by the …
House of Finn Juhl Introduces the Textile Collection ‘Watercolour’
In collaboration with the Danish weaver, Kjellerup Væveri (Kjellerup Weavers), House of Finn Juhl has …
80th Anniversary: The Poet is Relaunched in a Limited Nubuck and Suede Edition – With Legs in Wenge
Finn Juhl presented the Poet Sofa for the first time at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in the autumn of 1941. To …
Finn Juhl’s Circle Rugs are Launched in Three Natural, Undyed Tones – House of Finn Juhl
In 1963, Finn Juhl designed a series of characteristic circle patterns for the Danish company …
Finn Juhl’s Own House Reopens on the 25th of June
One can argue that Finn Juhl’s most extraordinary piece is his own home, situated in …
Record Sale at Bruun Rasmussen: Most Expensive set of Finn Juhl Furniture
A sofa and two chairs, designed by Finn Juhl and nicknamed “The Elephant Furniture”, have …
Finn Juhl’s Lost Furniture Found After 80 Years – Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers
Finn Juhl’s one-of-a-kind sofa (estimated price EURO 210,000-330,000 // 1,500,000-2,500,000 DKK) alongside vases and bowls …
Every bowl is hand turned and crafted from a single piece of wood by Finn Juhl
Finn Juhl designed the teak bowls in 1951. After several years of preparation, we are …
The 53 Series Relaunches at 3 Days of Design by Finn Juhl
When Finn Juhl’s widow, Hanne Wilhem Hansen, granted Onecollection (with the sub-brand House of Finn Juhl) …
The Little Mother is being relaunched – House of Finn Juhl
After Copenhagen Cabinetmaker’s Guild Exhibition in 1945, joiner Niels Vodder, who produced Finn Juhl’s furniture, …
The Grasshopper Chair – House of Finn Juhl
The Grasshopper Chair is being relaunched at Salone del Mobile – 81 years after Finn Juhl designed it …
Finn Juhl @ nationalmuseum
March 14–September 22, 2019 An exclusive selection of furniture, artwork and art handicraft. The exhibition …
Poet sofa – House of Finn Juhl
Poet sofa 1941 This small two-seater sofa first saw the light of day at the …
Cocktail Bench – House of Finn Juhl
Cocktail Bench 1951 In 1951, Finn Juhl designed the bench for Baker Furniture in USA, …
Reading Chair – House of Finn Juhl
Reading Chair – Veneer Seat 1953 The Reading chair is one of Finn Juhl’s more …
48 Sofa-Bench – House of Finn Juhl
48 Sofa-Bench 1948 The 48 Sofa-Bench is part of the 48 Series which was presented …
Finn Juhl – a Danish design icon. 1/2 – 11/5 2014
Finn Juhl – a Danish design icon – exhibition at Falkenbergs Museum – Design Museum …
Finn Juhl – centenary exhibition @ Trapholt
Finn Juhl was both a pioneering furniture designer and a respected architect, sensitive to the …
Finn Juhl Wall lamp – Pendant – Table lamp back in production – OneCollection
Finn Juhl Wall lamp – Pendant – Table lamp Design: Finn Juhl, 1963 FJ Lamps …
Furniture for the senses – Finn Juhl 100 @ Designmuseum Danmark
Special exhibition 10 February – 31 December 2012 Designmuseum Danmark celebrates the 100th anniversary of …
Finn Juhl’s Inspiration from Japan The Japan Series – House of Finn Juhl
The Japan Series, designed by Finn Juhl in 1957, represents his inspired interpretation of Japanese …