The Jacobsen Series 7: A Scandalously Iconic Chair

Amongst the chairs in the world of design, there's one that stands out as "scandalously" iconic: the Jacobsen Series 7. This masterpiece, created by Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen, shook the conventions of its time and became a landmark in the world of interior furnishings.

The Series 7 was conceived by Arne Jacobsen in 1955 and produced by Fritz Hansen, a Danish design company with a long history of excellence. This chair was originally designed as an integral part of the broader project for the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Jacobsen was tasked not only with designing the hotel's architecture but also its furnishings, including the chairs for the dining room.

The chair became an undisputed icon in 1963 when photographer Lewis Morley immortalized model Christine Keeler, the young conquest of British Minister John Profumo, posing nude and covered only by the backrest of Jacobsen's chair.

These photographs triggered a timeless scandal known as the "Profumo affair," which led to the resignation of the then Minister of War and, subsequently, the downfall of the British government. This affair involved an explosive mix of espionage, love, betrayals, all set against the backdrop of the Cold War when a British government minister, a U.S. ally, found himself entangled in a romantic affair with a British model, pitted against a Russian officer as a rival. Despite the turmoil, these photos, scandalous yet captivating, have become part of the permanent collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

In the early '60s, Lewis Morley, with a touch of irony, photographed other celebrities in similar poses, including David Frost and playwright Joe Orton.

Decades after its creation, the Jacobsen Series 7 continues to be produced and admired. Its clean lines and iconic form make it timeless, and its "scandalous" introduction to the world of design paved the way for many other bold innovations.

This iconic chair remains a testament to the creative genius of Arne Jacobsen and his lasting impact on the world of design, with an indelible link to the famous Profumo affair that wrote a fascinating chapter in the history of design. A story that demonstrates how design can transform even a piece of furniture into a symbol of cultural resonance.