Rare pair of Portex stacking chairs, designed in 1945 by the Danish designers Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and manufactured by Fritz Hansen in Denmark. The design combines an exceptionally light, functional construction with the restrained formal language typical of Scandinavian post-war design.

The chairs are made of beechwood and are characterised by their slender, slightly splayed legs and the elegantly backward-curved backrest supports. A curved moulded-plywood backrest and the slightly shaped seat create a clear silhouette and provide pleasant seating comfort.

The particularly characteristic feature is the well-considered stackability of the construction. The chairs can be nested into one another to save space – a functional detail that gives the design its name Portex  and its distinctive character. Visible wooden joints and the small attachment points of the backrest emphasise the constructive clarity of the design.

The original FH / Made in Denmark manufacturer’s stamp from Fritz Hansen is located on the underside and confirms the chairs’ provenance.
The warm beechwood displays a beautiful patina developed over decades, with different colour nuances and visible signs of use. This ageing is precisely what gives the pair its authentic vintage character.
Condition:

Good vintage condition with age- and use-related signs of wear. The wooden surfaces show scratches, rubbing, minor discolouration and more pronounced marks in places, particularly on the seats. The existing patina has been deliberately preserved. Overall, the two chairs are presented in an authentic condition appropriate to their age.

Dimensions: L46.5 x W40 x H81 cm
Seat height 46 cm