< nr. 45 >

Vlinderstoel / Serie 7

Year: 1953

Who hasn’t sat on a butterfly chair at one stage? The chair, also called Series 7, is one of the most succesful chairs ever. The cahir celebrated its 50^th anniversary in 2003. More than five million chairs have been sold in the half century since its introduction. The popularity of the chair, which is still being produced by manufacturer Fritz Hansen today, appears unbeatable. At the start the chair was available only in black, white and natural wood colour, but now it can be bought in 22 different colours and versions. There even is a chair for children.

The most important reason for the succes of the chair seems to be the timeless character, as well as the ergonomic shape and sitting comfort. The fact that the Series 7 chair has such a simplistic form means that it fits in very diverse interiors also explains the success. The most well know model from the series, no. 3107, has a chrome-plated steel frame. There are also versions with armrests, upholstered seats and an undercarriage with swivelling wheels.

The butterflychair is the successor of the 1952 three-legged model 3100, which is also called the Ant.

Who does not remember the infamous photo of English prostitute Christine Keeler who sat back-to-front with legs provocatively astride on a (fake) butterfly chair? Keelers affair with the British minister John Prefumo would lead to his demise in politics in 1963.

Manufacturer Fritz Hansen blew up a million dollar deal with fastfood giant McDonald’s. The reason? Some of the UK branches of McDonald’s, they had placed fakes next to the original models of the Swan and the Butterfly chair. It cost a fair amount, but it is a matter of principle, stated the company after the court case.

Read more about the butterfly chair: www.fritzhansen.com