Danish architect Finn Juhl was a leading designer of the 20th century. He trained as an architect from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and gained worldwide recognition for his organic, expressive and sculptural designs that regenerated Danish furniture in the 1940s. For Juhl the mantra “form follows function” did not suffice. On the contrary, the understanding that furniture design was closely related to the experimental idioms of fine arts was imperative to Juhl. He often found inspiration in contemporary art, in particular in the organic forms of modern abstract sculpture. Juhl wanted his furniture to be able to stand freely in the room – allowing it to be seen from all sides – and the present sofa is a refined example of this sculptural approach, beautiful from all angles. The design is characterized by soft, organic lines with tapering legs.
In his sofas Juhl often sought to achieve a form that would also supports the back when sitting at an angle—for example when two people in conversation turn towards each other. The sofa thus encourage an intimacy that goes hand in hand with the soft and friendly curves of the back and armrests. The Poet sofa was designed in 1941 and made by the Danish Master Cabinetmaker Niels Vodder.
