The iconic Trinidad chair designed by Nanna Ditzel for Danish furniture brand Fredericia celebrates its 25th birthday this year.
The Trinidad Chair was first released in 1993, marking a turning point in Fredericia’s history. The success of the Trinidad Chair was a key driver during the renewal of Danish design in the 90’s and Nanna Ditzel became known worldwide as the “First Lady of Danish Furniture Design”.
Nanna Ditzel had an inimitable ability to transform her artistic dreams into functional and purposeful designs. When designing the Trinidad chair, she found inspiration in the elaborate fretwork from the so-called Gingerbread Facades, that she had often seen whilst on a holiday in the Caribbean Island of Trinidad.
“On Trinidad I saw how the facades of the houses nearly dissolves in light and shadow – almost like a lace – and I thought to myself: How can I use this for a chair?”
DESIGNER, NANNA DITZEL
The rounded back and cutout fretwork of the Trinidad Chair gives it a fan-like look. The cut out details and curves filter light in a playful manner and give the design a bold voice.
At the time, the latest and most advanced CNC technologies were utilised to manufacture the complex shells of the Trinidad chair, techniques that were heralded as a major breakthrough in the design industry. The Trinidad Chair embarked on a new approach: being both highly artistic and delicate in its expression, yet utilising the most advanced machinery of the time.
Besides the graphic aesthetic and exquisite appearance, the curved shells ensure outstanding comfort while seated. The seat has been curved from the sides, making it pleasant to sit even for longer periods, and its delicate appearance is complemented by slim steel legs.
“It is very important to take into account the way a chair’s appearance combines with the person who sits in it. Some chairs look like crutches. And I don’t like them at all.”
DESIGNER, NANNA DITZEL
The cut-out fretwork in the seat and back compensates for a range of features that are typically impossible in plywood shell furniture. Namely, the body is well ventilated while seated, and the curved shell provides excellent acoustic properties. These qualities have made Trinidad a popular chair for concert halls, auditoriums and locations where large-scale seating is needed.
Today, Fredericia continues the legacy of the Trinidad Chair which remains crafted in Denmark. To mark the 25th anniversary, Fredericia presents a selection of new contemporary shades enhancing the natural beauty of the materials.
New editions available in smoked oak stained, grey oak stained and light grey oak stained.
About NANNA DITZEL
Nanna Ditzel (1923-2005), with her postmodernism attitude and rebellion against tradition, became a leading figure in the renewal of Danish design in the 1990’s, well after her 70th birthday. Very often, her works had a subjective starting point, which was contrary to specific problems to be solved. However, she had a magnificent ability to transform her artistic dreams into very functional and purposeful designs.
Nanna Ditzel was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1923. She trained as a cabinetmaker before going on to study at the School of Arts and Crafts and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. She was always inspired by the challenges of new materials and techniques, and in the 50’s she experimented with split-level floor seating. Nanna was a pioneer in the fields of fiberglass, wickerwork and foam rubber, and in various disciplines such as cabinet making, jewellery, tableware, and textiles. Nanna Ditzel designed the world’s most renowned furniture textile “Hallingdal” for Kvadrat.
From 1968 to 1986, Nanna lived in London where she established the international furniture house, Interspace, in Hampstead. In 1989 she became closely connected with Fredericia, beginning with “Bench For Two”. The collaboration between Fredericia and Ditzel developed into a mutual partnership establishing Nanna Ditzel as Fredericia’s second house designer after Børge Mogensen. Nanna passed away in 2005, but her uncompromising approach remains a strong influence on Fredericia’s culture and product development.
About FREDERICIA
Fredericia was established in 1911 as Fredericia Stolefabrik (Fredericia Chair Factory), by entrepreneur N. P. Ravnsø, who successfully led the venture until his death in 1936. From the very start, Ravnsø wanted his new venture to be known for extremely high quality, and throughout his tenure, he hired only the most skilled craftsmen – something that quickly lead Fredericia Stolefabrik to become renown for its high-quality furniture in various styles. Today Fredericia undertakes collaborations with carefully chosen circle of international designers, all renown for their exceptional level of design integrity. All with the ambition of creating contemporary design that is always beautifully crafted, relevant and aesthetically intriguing. Fredericia’s design DNA includes the creations of Borge Mogensen, Hans Wegner and Nanna Ditzel. Mogensen’s own sofa even takes center place at their Copenhagen flagship showroom.
