Viggo Boesen and the Iconic &Tradition Little Petra Furniture Range
Famed for his organic, curvilinear furniture designs, Danish designer Viggo Boesen embraced a softer, more sculptural approach to modernism; focusing on comfort, functionality, and human-centred design.
Notably borrowing from both the simplicity of modernism principles and the warmth of flowing natural forms, he created cosy and indulgent designs that blended form and usefulness.
Viggo Boesen: The Designer
Viggo Boesen (1907-1985) was born in Denmark and studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen.
His career began in the 1930s when he quickly began gaining recognition for his innovative designs in the same era that modernism gained momentum in Denmark.
He went on to design notable pieces like The Little Petra Lounge Chair (1938), The Fox Chair, The Little Petra Pouf and other rattan and upholstered pieces.
These designs amongst others have also enjoyed significant revival in recent years in collaborations with brands like &Tradition, bringing Boesen’s vision into modern-day interiors.
While Boesen’s career was perhaps not as prolific as some of his contemporaries, he is still considered one of the pioneers of Danish modern design, helping establish Denmark’s global reputation for the beauty of simple, functional design.
The Boesen Design Philosophy
Rooted in functionalism, a design philosophy where practicality and purpose are paramount and every element serves a specific and useful role, Boesen’s approach also opted for a softer, more organic aesthetic, marking a contrast with the more rigid and minimalistic designs of the era.
Furthermore, Boesen took much influence from the “funkis” style, a Danish interpretation of functionalism; where he introduced his unique blend of warmer and more approachable aesthetics with his signature use of curves and natural materials.
The result was pieces that were meant to be both beautiful and lived-in, with human comfort and usability being the core aims.
It is important to mention, too, that Boesen often used natural materials such as oak and wood for his creations, which followed the Scandinavian tradition of using natural qualities and textures in design.
The Little Petra Chair
Designed in 1938 for a Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition, The Little Petra Chair is arguably Viggo Boesen’s most famous design.
Inspired by the notation of hygge, this cosy chair has a blend of sheepskin upholstery and oak/walnut legs. With its compact size and rounded silhouette, it is a classic Boesen piece that centres on comfort and intimacy with its low seat design, enveloping curves and plush upholstery.
Featuring flowing, sculptural curves that echo natural shapes, the various upholstery options also offer a customisable luxurious and tactile experience.
Exceptionally comfortable with its rounded arms and backrest, the sitter is cradled in the chair, which gives it a distinct sense of enclosure. It also comes with very practical standard felt glides, making it easy to move around your space without damaging the flooring.
The era of the 1930s saw the rise of Danish modernism, and designs moved away from ornamental styles towards a more understated and practical approach, The Little Petra Lounge Chair is a prime example of this.
The Revival by &Tradition
In 2018, Danish design brand &Tradition partnered with Viggo Boesen’s estate to relaunch the Little Petra Lounge Chair. It was a collaboration that shared the same vision to both celebrate and revive iconic Scandinavian designs from the 20th century, of which The Little Petra Range was a key feature.
It was a joint venture to maintain the original design integrity of the 1938 chair while still updating it to meet contemporary standards with a sustainable approach.
The &Tradition VB1 Little Petra Lounge Chair replicates the original curvilinear silhouette and plush comfort but also brings sustainable materials such as responsibility-sourced wood for the frame and eco-friendly upholstery options.
It remains compact, cosy and finished with high attention to detail, manufactured without compromising on the feel that defines Danish design. It also comes with an optional footstool, just like the &Tradition VB1 Little Petra Lounge Chair with Footstool.
The &Tradition Little Petra Range
Building on the success of the relaunched lounge chair, &Tradition grew the Little Petra further to include The Little Petra Sofa and The VB3 Petra Lounge Chair.
The Little Petra Sofa: VB2
This two-seater adaption of the Little Petra Lounge Chair carries on the classic soft, organic curves of the original, maintaining the collection’s sculptural feel.
The sofa has the same low profile, creating a familiar sense of intimacy and relaxation, and includes a few contemporary tweaks that match the VB1.
It comes available in luxurious fabrics such as Karakorum 003 or Skandilock Sheepskin for the perfect aesthetic match for your home.
The VB3 Petra Lounge Chair with Footstool
This premium reinterpretation of the original Little Petra Lounge Chair with Footstool includes the iconic low seat height, cosiness and organic shapes of its predecessor but now comes with a new high back design.
The VB3 comes with a plush footstool for added comfort and now includes expanded fabric and finish options like Vidar 554, Karakorum 003, and Sheepskin Honey or Sahara.
Like the VB1 and VB2, it includes responsibly sourced wood and environmentally conscious upholstery.
Where can I buy Viggo Boesen and &Tradition chairs?
You can buy Viggo Boesen and &Tradition chairs and others from the &Tradition Little Petra Range at high-end retailers like Holloways of Ludlow.
We proudly list the VB1, VB2 and VB3 as part of the Viggo Boesen and &Tradition collaboration.
If you are interested in adding a Viggo Boesen piece to your home and would like advice, get in touch with our friendly team to discuss which choices best suit your needs. Email us at sales@hollowaysofludlow.com or call 020 7602 5757