why i like

We're very excited to introduce what we hope will be the start of a new series entitled 'Why I Like' in which we invite a fellow design enthusiast to share with us their thoughts on their favourite chair - what else! We're delighted to get proceedings underway with the person who provided us with the inspiration for this new series, Gerard McGuickin. Gerard is a design writer and interior stylist who champions the aesthetic and adores walnut and grey. His company and blog is Walnut Grey Design, which he describes as "the discerning design blog." 

We're thrilled to be hosting Gerard's words here, and hope you enjoy reading why he likes the Shell Chair just as much as we did.

"If I were a chair, I would aspire to be Hans J. Wegner's CH07 Shell Chair.

I'd describe myself as punctilious: meticulous, conscientious, a perfectionist. I believe in being both styled and personable. I am insightful and sincere in my way of thinking about design.

For me, the Shell Chair personifies all of this and more. It has been designed with the utmost attention to detail, refusing to be anything less than perfect. It has both poise and composure, yet exemplifies what is a finely tuned balance between style and notable comfort. The Shell Chair is able to strike an aesthetic pose whilst at the same time imbuing a sense of calm. It is sincere about its purpose and motivation: to be a great chair.

I consider it important to champion the philosophy of the designer Dieter Rams and his principles of good design. From my perspective, the CH07 meets every one of Rams' principles, including being innovative, useful, aesthetic, long-lasting and having as little design as possible.Hans J. Wegner, a legendary Danish designer, was without exception, a virtuoso and maestro chair designer. In fact, he had more than 500 designs. Wegner designed the CH07 Shell Chair in 1963, placing an emphasis on functionality and aesthetic appeal, both principles being immensely important to my own design ethos. Of Hans J. Wegner's contribution to Danish Modern, it is said that he "integrates exacting joinery techniques and exquisite form... [and] brings an organic, natural softness to formalistic minimalism." (Source: Carl Hansen & Søn).

A great chair is like a piece of sculpture; it is graceful, intelligently designed and timeless. I believe when we see a chair that we love, it will stir up genuine feelings and emotions. After all, great design is nourishment for the soul. It should feel and look desirable; it should comfort and nurture. That is the CH07."

Images: © Carl Hansen & Søn