Design Classics: Frank Gehry’s Wiggle Side Chair
The Wiggle side chair is one of Frank Gehry’s most famous (and fun!) pieces of furniture
This series takes a look at some of the most famous and cherished designs of the past century. From classic chairs to statement lighting, discover the backstory to some of the design world’s most recognisable pieces and browse ways to use them in modern settings.
When it comes to architects and designers of our time, Frank Gehry comes pretty near the top of the list. His most famous buildings include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany, among countless other galleries, museums and university buildings. Most recently, Gehry has been appointed, along with Foster + Partners, to design the high street of the Battersea Power Station development in London.
As a creative individual, he has worked on a wide range of design projects. One of his furniture designs, the Wiggle chair, is particularly memorable. Learn a little more about it below.
When it comes to architects and designers of our time, Frank Gehry comes pretty near the top of the list. His most famous buildings include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany, among countless other galleries, museums and university buildings. Most recently, Gehry has been appointed, along with Foster + Partners, to design the high street of the Battersea Power Station development in London.
As a creative individual, he has worked on a wide range of design projects. One of his furniture designs, the Wiggle chair, is particularly memorable. Learn a little more about it below.
Early career
Although countless accolades have been bestowed upon him, including ‘the most important architect of our age’ (Vanity Fair), Gehry’s early career is a story of trial and error. Moving to California in 1947 to attend Los Angeles City College, he found work as a truck driver and tried out numerous different jobs, including radio broadcasting and chemical engineering, in a bid to find the right fit.
After taking a couple of classes in architecture, he knew he’d found his calling, and graduated top of his class from the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture in 1954, before going on to study city planning at Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Although countless accolades have been bestowed upon him, including ‘the most important architect of our age’ (Vanity Fair), Gehry’s early career is a story of trial and error. Moving to California in 1947 to attend Los Angeles City College, he found work as a truck driver and tried out numerous different jobs, including radio broadcasting and chemical engineering, in a bid to find the right fit.
After taking a couple of classes in architecture, he knew he’d found his calling, and graduated top of his class from the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture in 1954, before going on to study city planning at Harvard Graduate School of Design.
A creator of many things
Being a creator, on top of architecture Gehry has also tried his hand rather successfully at many other forms of design, including furniture design, set design and even jewellery design (for Tiffany & Co).
Being a creator, on top of architecture Gehry has also tried his hand rather successfully at many other forms of design, including furniture design, set design and even jewellery design (for Tiffany & Co).
Experiments in cardboard
His first furniture series was produced between 1969 and 1973 and was called Easy Edges. Known for his use of unusual materials, rumour has it Gehry saw a pile of discarded corrugated cardboard outside his office and just started experimenting. He discovered that if you layer it enough times in alternate directions, it becomes an incredibly strong material that can even support the weight of a person. From there, the Wiggle side chair was born in 1972.
His first furniture series was produced between 1969 and 1973 and was called Easy Edges. Known for his use of unusual materials, rumour has it Gehry saw a pile of discarded corrugated cardboard outside his office and just started experimenting. He discovered that if you layer it enough times in alternate directions, it becomes an incredibly strong material that can even support the weight of a person. From there, the Wiggle side chair was born in 1972.
A low-cost solution
The Easy Edges series included 14 different pieces that were all designed to provide a low-cost furniture solution. In fact, Gehry stayed so true to his low-cost aim that he discontinued the line as its popularity rose and prices rocketed. He believed furniture should be accessible for all, and gave up furniture design shortly after to dedicate his energy to architecture.
The Easy Edges series included 14 different pieces that were all designed to provide a low-cost furniture solution. In fact, Gehry stayed so true to his low-cost aim that he discontinued the line as its popularity rose and prices rocketed. He believed furniture should be accessible for all, and gave up furniture design shortly after to dedicate his energy to architecture.
Inside the Wiggle
The Wiggle chair takes its name from its curvaceous shape, which loops back on itself in a playful manner. It’s made of 60 layers of cardboard with fibreboard edging, held together with hidden screws to make it stable.
The Wiggle chair takes its name from its curvaceous shape, which loops back on itself in a playful manner. It’s made of 60 layers of cardboard with fibreboard edging, held together with hidden screws to make it stable.
A design classic
Although rather unusual, it’s the surprising shape that gives the Wiggle chair its charm. The design is at home in a variety of settings, and can hold its own among other iconic furniture, such as the Eames RAR rocking chair, seen here.
The Wiggle footstool looks like a beautiful little squashed version of the chair, making them the perfect team to add a little interest to an interior.
Although rather unusual, it’s the surprising shape that gives the Wiggle chair its charm. The design is at home in a variety of settings, and can hold its own among other iconic furniture, such as the Eames RAR rocking chair, seen here.
The Wiggle footstool looks like a beautiful little squashed version of the chair, making them the perfect team to add a little interest to an interior.
Still going strong in the 21st century
Frank Gehry is known for being bold with his architecture, and he certainly wasn’t afraid to make a statement with his furniture. Vitra now produces four models from the Easy Edges series, including the enduring Wiggle side chair.
TELL US
What do you think of this interesting little piece of furniture? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
The Making of an Icon: George Nelson’s Coconut Chair
Herman Miller and the Icons of Mid-Century Design Explained
12 Reasons to Love the Eames Eiffel Chair
Frank Gehry is known for being bold with his architecture, and he certainly wasn’t afraid to make a statement with his furniture. Vitra now produces four models from the Easy Edges series, including the enduring Wiggle side chair.
TELL US
What do you think of this interesting little piece of furniture? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
The Making of an Icon: George Nelson’s Coconut Chair
Herman Miller and the Icons of Mid-Century Design Explained
12 Reasons to Love the Eames Eiffel Chair
Born in 1929 in Canada, Frank Gehry was a creative and inquisitive child. He spent hours in his grandfather’s hardware store, whiling away the time drawing and building miniature cities and imaginary houses from blocks of discarded wood and cardboard.