J81 chair – H82 x 65.3 x D53.3cm – seat height 44.5cm – seat depth 39.5cm
J80 chair – H82 x 50 x D51cm – seat height 44.5cm – seat depth 37.5cm
Jørgen Bækmark
The architect Jørgen Bækmark ran the FDB design studio for nine years, from 1958 to 1967, after Børge Mogensen, Poul M. Volther and Ejvind A. Johansson. He is today the only living designer of this time.
He was born in 1929, studied cabinetmaking in 1950, and was educated at the School of Arts and Crafts and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Furniture.
Bækmark ran the FDB design studio at a time when the demand for furniture was slowly declining. However, this did not prevent him from being at the origin of several classic furniture such as the J80 and J81. The two emblematic armchairs were based on what was particularly well known in the FDB furniture factory in Tarm: turned wood and steam bending.
Jørgen Bækmark has personally contributed to a smooth adaptation of the J80 and J81 chairs to fit the size and height.
"When making furniture, you really have to take into account production opportunities, demand and price, but sometimes I looked away from the economy, and then I drew something that I liked to look at and where I loved to sit."
Jørgen Bækmark's philosophy is that furniture should fit people and not the other way around. Comfort is essential, but design is also an important element. The combination of both has proven itself, as many Bækmark designs are popular today.
"When I designed these pieces of furniture 50 years ago, I had never dreamed that they would be so popular and even put back into production, and I am very grateful for that success." Jørgen Bækmark
Dimensions J80 H82 x 50 x D51cm – seat height 44.5cm – seat depth 37.5cm Dimensions J81 H82 x 65.3 x D53.3cm – seat height 44.5cm – seat depth 39.5cm
Materials lacquered or painted beech, natural paper cord
The J80 and the J81 chair are part of the collection designed by Jørgen Bækmark in the 1950's that also counts the J83, J83B benches and J82 lounge chair. The J80 embodies the qualities that defined FDB’s golden age. Functional, elegant and comfortable its timeless design allows it to fit into any interior.
The wooden rotated bars and the braided seat are the common element of the J80 and the J81. The J81 equally comfortable with its round armrests that is the natural continuation of the curved shape of the chair’s back.
