Chair #45

HEART CONE CHAIR

—Designed by Verner Panton

Be still my heart! In honor of St. Valentine's Day today, I just had to post this chair. Those over the top wings are surely a contemporary take on the classic wingback chair, oui? Designed by yet another Great Dane designer, Verner Panton, this chair as a variation of his cone chair. He designed it in 1959 and  it's covered in red, of course.  It’s all about the drama daahhhhling.

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Valentine's Day History

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine. Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball. In the United States, a Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. The spirit of love continues as valentines are still sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school. See, so it wasn't just a money making holiday invented by Hallmark!