Edgar Kaufmann Jr., a prolific art collector and director at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, wrote a piece about Finn Juhl's artistic furniture designs which caught the eye of Michigan furniture manufacturer, Hollis Baker. Baker invited Juhl to design a modern furniture collection for him, a pivotal event that helped the export boom for Danish design to the United States. Part of this series, the Baker sofa is an exquisite, sculptural design, defined by soft curves and beautiful upholstery; with the deep burgundy and purple colourways enhancing the separate components of the design whilst drawing them together simultaneously. Finished with high back and armrests, creating a retreated, cocooned space of comfortable support, the sofa is an elegant showpiece rich with design history.
Finn Juhl was born on the 30th January 1912 in Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Although trained in architecture, it was his modern furniture designs that made him an international name. His first pieces of furniture were designed for his own apartment and were manufactured by the young Danish carpenter, Niels Vodder.
In 1946 Juhl got his first major interior assignment at Bing and Grøndahl’s store at Amagertorv in Copenhagen. This later became one of his main works and was awarded with the Eckersberg Medal in 1947. Soon after, he was given the opportunity to help furnish the new headquarters of the United Nations in NY - something which established his name with the American audience.
He is most famous today for his iconic furniture designs including the Chieftan Armchair and the 108 Dining Chair which are now produced by the House of Finn Juhl.