From Denmark With Love

We're feeling particularly envious of an American friend about to head off on a solo mission to Copenhagen.  So with this in mind, we thought we'd do a piece about a famous "American" designer who originated from Denmark ..... none other than Jens Risom. 

Risom's furniture from the 1950s and 1960s is very down to earth and functional, but still has enormous elegance. It is a fusion of the craft tradition he learned in Denmark with American modernism and the hi-tech of American production methods.  It is significant that he always wants to be known as a Danish-born American designer, not a Danish designer.  In fact, Risom himself stated that he "developed an American version of Scandinavian modern furniture".

Here are just a few of Risom's classic designs ...…

1171 Chair, 1969

C 160 Armchair, 1967

652 W Armchair, 1942

C 120 Armchair, 1949

U 140 Armchair, 1950

654 W Side Chair, 1942

And you may be please do know that Jens Risom has recently collaborated with Rocket Gallery and Benchmark to reissue some of his 1950s and 1960s designs .....

The 'U 431' low armless chair first appeared in the 1955 catalogue of Jens Risom Design Inc, 

but by the 1959 edition it was no longer in production.

The 'C 275' side chair was designed in 1957 and first appeared in the 

Jens Risom Design 'Contemporary Furniture Catalog Supplement' of that year.

We wish our American friend bon voyage;  here's hoping they'll have room in their suitcase for a few mid-century souvenirs!!

Credits/Images:  Jens Risom Furniture, Decopedia, London Design Guide, Wallpaper*