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Armchair 'Chieftain' Designed by Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1949. 

MEET THE EXPERTS

Radical by Design: Finn Juhl’s Chieftain Chair

Explore Finn Juhl’s iconic Chieftain Chair, presented by Modernity

Meet the Experts

SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026

2:30PM—3:00PM CET
STAND 364, PARK AVENUE ARMORY

 

Registration is mandatory but free to TEFAF New York ticket holders

Overview

Among the many masterpieces created by Danish designer Finn Juhl, the Chieftain Chair stands as one of his most celebrated works. Executed by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder and first presented at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen in 1949, it is the largest, most ambitious, and radical chair of Juhl’s career.  

 

The chair redefined the idea that furniture should be purely functional and restrained. Instead Juhl approached the piece to present itself with sculptural presence: bold, expressive, and designed to be experienced as much as used. The upholstered body appears to float within a separate wooden frame, creating a compelling sense of visual and physical lightness. The session offers a rare opportunity to look closely at a work where craft, imagination, and structure come together in unexpected harmony. 

 

TEFAF Meet the Experts programs celebrate the expertise of our world-renowned exhibitors, spotlighting exceptional objects and the stories they tell across categories and 7,000 years of history. 

A I portrait5 Isaac Pineus
Andrew Duncanson Director and Owner, Modernity

Location & Access

Programming will take place at the at the stand of the exhibitor at TEFAF New York. Please note that TEFAF Programming is free with a valid ticket to TEFAF Maastricht. Do note that there is limited spots availability. If you have not registered for programming or bought your ticket for TEFAF New York: click the button “sign up” and purchase your ticket for TEFAF New York.

For questions about registration contact [email protected]