Carl Hansen started his business, Carl Hansen and Son, in the early 1900s. His son, Holger, of the “son” in the name began running the business in 1949. At that time, he began a collaboration with yet unknown designer, Hans Wegner, that would last a lifetime producing most of Wegner’s award-winning designs. Carl Hansen’s grandson, Knud Erik Hansen, now heads the company which continues to produce some of Wegner’s pieces along with many other well-known furniture designers.