Hans Wegner (1914-2007) is among the most prolific, successful, and influential masters of the Danish Modern School. He designed over 500 pieces that were produced variously by Fritz Hansen, P.P.Mobler, Getamae, and Johannes Hansen, and distributed in the USA by Knoll. His Chair #501, widely known as The Chair, demonstrated Wegner's ability to combine the highest standards of form, material, and comfort in a single everyday object, epitomizing the balance of beauty and utility that was the goal of 20th Century Danish design. Wegner was apprenticed as a child to a cabinetmaker and was trained as a joiner, then studied at The Danish School For Arts & Crafts and The Architectural Academy. In 1938 he joined Arne Jacobsen's archtectural offices, then opened his own shop in 1943, offering an early Chinese Chair as well as Peter's Chair, a design for his friend Borge Mogensen's son that has continued in production for over 50 years. His career has been highlighted by an eagerness to revisit and re-interpret past designs, as well as an interest in widely varying materials and forms. Among the best-known of his 100-plus chair designs are The Peacock, Pappa Bear, Shell, Sawbuck, Wishbone, and Ox. His list of international prizes and awards is endless, and his pieces are listed in dozens of design collections throughout the world.