Poul Volther
Corona Chair
Replica
Poul Volther
1961
The design of the Corona Chair is simple and characteristic. It reminds one of the wreath or corona that can be seen around the sun during a full eclipse. In fact, there was a broadcast of a solar eclipse on the night that Volther finished his design, hence the inspiration for the name. Its distinctive design, consisting of four graduated, curving, elliptical cushions separated by open spaces is thanks, in part, to the need to economise on materials after the Second World War. The Corona Chair’s success is partly due to its fusion of technical cool and warm and inviting form that refers directly to the human anatomy with its spine and ribs. It is universally celebrated and revered as one of the finest expressions of Scandinavian functionalism.
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“It does not specifically reflect the period in which it was designed, which is why it has become a classic.”
Niels Jørgensen
Volther’s guiding principles were functionality and economical use of quality materials. Inspired by the supple strength of the human spine, and named after the wreath of light visible around the sun during a solar eclipse, the Corona remains highly distinctive in its innovative use of four separate, oblong shells, ready to envelop you in its calm, clean lines.
It featured Mike Nichols’ 1974 feature film, Carnal Knowledge. The current revival of the mid-century modern style coincided with the release of the visual feast that is the Mad Men TV series. The Corona Chair features prominently in the monochrome offices of Roger Stirling in the series.
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Stylish Comfort
The suspended, smooth elliptical shapes of the Corona Chair invite the individual to rest. Soft polyurethane cushioning in the curving backrest and seat, upholstered in top grain Italian leather which is soft and pleasant to the touch, allow the individual to enjoy superb comfort in multiple seated positions. Molded plywood ensures strength but also yields slightly under the weight of the individual.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Durable and stable solid core stainless steel makes up not only the four-star base and swivel mechanism but also the bones of the backrest. Layered plywood is molded and shaped into the four shells. Durable and fast recovery polyurethane foam is used for soft cushioning. Upholstered in supple, top grain Italian leather.
Poul Volther first trained as a cabinetmaker and then went to study design at the Arts and Crafts School in Copenhagen. He was a great believer in functionalism and utilizing the finest quality materials in innovative, economical ways. He belonged to the generation of designers who had their roots in Scandinavian functionalism, where organic design and the modernist motto of form-follows-function prevailed. In addition to leaving his mark in Danish and international design history with his Corona chair, Volther also taught at The Danish Design School and thus influenced hundreds of new designers with his unerring sense of form and his strict requirements for quality and functionality.
“The Corona chair is still modern even though it was designed in the 60s. It will always be relevant.”
Erik Jørgensen
Product Literature
Layers of plywood are carefully molded and shaped into oblong shapes for the cushions. Quick recovery polyurethane is used to cover the plywood in abundance. The cushions are bolted securely to the spring steel frame. Top grain Italian leather is treated and used to upholster the elliptical cushions. All elements are hand sewed together to ensure strength and quality. The swivel is tested to glide in silence, smoothly and uphold superior craftsmanship. Our reproduction stays faithful to the original specifications and design of the venerated 1964 model of the Corona chair. In its very first 1961 incarnation, the Corona had a wooden frame and used neoprene padding.
Product Materials
Frame and base: Matt chrome spring steel frame
Inner frame: Molded plywood
Cushion upholstery: Top grain Italian Leather
Cushioning: Molded Polyurethane foam
Product Dimensions
Height: 97cm
Width: 88cm
Depth: 82cm
Seat height: 42cm
Carrying weight: 120kg
Ottoman
Height: 47cm
Width: 75cm
Depth: 49cm
Weight as shipped: 40kg
Care Instructions
Leather:
Occasionally remove dust from the leather with a damp, lint-free cloth. Small soiled spots can be gently removed with a colourless eraser. Liquid spills should be immediately dabbed dry and wiped off with a little water. Once a year, the leather should be treated with a special leather care product, but never with any type of strong cleansing agent. Only use quality leather products which do not leave residue. Oily build-up on the leather makes it susceptible to bacteria, which can destroy the leather. Clean the stitching with a soft-bristle brush.
Make sure that your leather furniture is not positioned close to heat sources, so that it does not dry out and become brittle. In addition, we recommend that leather surfaces are not permanently exposed to intense sunlight, because direct sunlight over an extended time period can diminish the quality of the leather.
Leather can be treated occasionally with conditioners to keep it in its original state. Liquid spills should be blotted up immediately, not wiped. For daily cleaning, dust leather with a soft cloth.
Metal:
Do not use an abrasive material on the metal. Clean the item with a mild detergent and water. Dilute in the mild detergent in water so it is not too harsh on the metal. You can dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the solution or a non-abrasive pad and use it to scrub off any residue or dirt on the item. Scrub the item with a soft toothbrush or a non-abrasive pad. Dry any residual moisture with a soft, dry cloth.