These classic modern chairs are highly sought after and, when we discovered them at Alang this summer, I was quite elated. They hail from the MAYAN EMPRESS (the former WINSTON CHURCHILL of 1968), but they were standard Kørbing shipboard fixtures beginning with DFDS' magnificent, ground-breaking PRINSESSE MARGRETHE of 1957.

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In Bruce Peter's book, DANISH SHIP DESIGN 1936-1991 (which details the maritime achievements of Denmark's late Kay Fisker and Kay Kørbing), Kørbing sheds light upon the creation of this specific chair, "The modern furniture you could buy in Denmark at the time was very refined, but hopeless for ships as it would tip over in bad weather and the ship furniture that was available was usually so heavy and old fashioned. The moulded fibreglass cafeteria chair I designed for the ship (PRINSESSE MARGRETHE) was just about the first of its kind anywhere. Everything had to be very good looking but very hard wearing and easily maintained."

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These chairs have stood the test of time very well and look just as modern today as when they were first conceived in 1956. They were manufactured in Denmark by the renowned Godtfred H. Petersen. Despite an occasional minor scuff, they are structurallly enduring. The seats are faded with time and wear and will need reupholstering. Priced accordingly for such rare finds.