Even to the modern eye it is clear that Finn Juhl’s ideas reached far into the future, when the 48 Sofa Bench was presented in 1948. He never let his innovative designs stand alone but rather opted for creating a so called “Gesamtkunstwerk” – a German word, which means entirety experienced and achieved through even the smallest of details. Finn Juhl’s stand at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition was thus a fully designed work.
In 1948, the Danish newspaper Politiken wrote the following review about Finn Juhl and Niels Vodder’s stand “The Study of an Art Collector”:
“… The collaboration between Vodder and Finn Juhl is not a new one. They have participated at the (Cabinetmakers’ Guild) Exhibitions with increasing success for years now. But this year they have managed to reach a new level, best classified as a new school of design.”
The organically shaped seat and backrest of the 48 Sofa Bench, upholstered in textile or leather, are raised from the carrying frame in an almost demonstrative manner. Visually lifting the seated person, making it appear as if the law of gravity has been defeated.
Additionally, the 48 Series is characterized by the use of multiple materials. Today, it is rare to see furniture that employs two different types of wood. This type of contrast has been left almost entirely to Finn Juhl despite the many years that have passed. The 48 Sofa Bench is available in oak with armrests and toes in walnut and a version entirely in walnut. The Sofa Bench is upholstered in either textile or leather.
