You Can Now Get Your Hands on Yrjö Kukkapuro’s Iconic "Experiment Chair"
Almost 30 years after production ceased, Swedish brand Hem is giving the chair a second life.
When Yrjö Kukkapuro launched his Experiment Chair back in 1984, it quickly became one of the most emblematic pieces of his career. But despite this, and despite its global success, production was ceased just 11 years later.
Now, fans of Postmodernist design can celebrate its return – and can thank Swedish brand Hem for bringing it back to market. Having joined forces with Yrjö Kukkapuro and Studio Kukkapuro, Hem has worked closely with both the designer himself and his daughter Isa Kukkapuro-Enbom to ensure the re-edition of the chair represents the original vision.
To ensure the materials stand up to 2024 standards, and that comfort is prioritised, a couple of environmental and ergonomic changes were made – but apart from that, it’s as bold and expressive as it was 40 years ago.
“I created the postmodern Experiment collection for the Milan fair of 1982, which I consider to be the greatest success of my career,” Kukkapuro said. “I’m really happy that Experiment is getting a new life and will be launched again by Hem. When I initially heard about the possibility, my first thought was: ‘It feels good to be back in Sweden again’. Now I understand that this means more than that: the whole world will be home to Experiment once more.”
Yrjö Kukkapuro At His Studio. Photo by Juho Huttunen
Experiment’s crowning feature is its armrests, which were artfully designed by Kukkapuro to contrast with the otherwise simple form. In the case of the reedition, these armrests are avaialbe in either red, blue or green – which, as with the original version, are intended to symbolise elements: red for fire, green for trees and blue for lake waves. There will also be a black option.
The chair’s structure is formed from a chrome-plated tubular frame, which supports an upholstered backrest and seat. “Yrjö has always been ahead of his time, and as a major trailblazer in furniture design, his signature style and thoughtful constructions are still at the cutting edge,” Hem founder Petrus Palmér said. We’re beyond excited to bring the Experiment Chair back.”
The Experiment Chair was previewed at this year’s 3daysofdesign festival in Copenhagen, and will be available to purchase through Hem’s website from October 16, starting at $1,899 USD.
