Danish Design Icons
Kolekto's Graphic Interpretation of Danish Design Icons
For this series of graphic artworks created for Illums Bolighus, we have delved into the world of iconic Danish furniture classics, which have earned their place as timeless design symbols. Drawing inspiration from these pieces, we crafted a visual narrative through posters and artworks that celebrate the sculptural beauty inherent in Danish furniture design.
The featured furniture, well-known for its design excellence, is depicted from unique perspectives, cross-sections, or contexts where these pieces transcend their functional purpose and emerge as sculptural elements within atmospheric settings.
The series unfolds as a collage-like story, with each piece contributing to a broader visual dialogue. While the scenes do not include people, they evoke a sense of presence—an atmosphere where one might feel that someone has just stepped away. In some images, this creates a homely, intimate feeling, while others dissolve into more abstract, sculptural motifs.
Together, these works communicate in a dynamic, interconnected way, maintaining a strong graphical presence both as individual pieces and as a cohesive whole.
View the entire collection here.
The History of Danish Design
The story of Danish design is deeply intertwined with a period of hardship, economic constraints, and a unique pool of skilled craftsmen and architects who, in the aftermath of World War II, created a culture of collaboration that laid the foundation for Denmark’s global reputation for design excellence and craftsmanship.
Danish Design in the Post-War Era
In the 1920s, Denmark lagged behind many other countries economically and industrially, with Danish cabinetmakers facing fierce competition, especially from German industrial furniture. However, instead of succumbing to these challenges, Danish craftsmen joined forces with architects to launch an annual exhibition where they competed for the best designs and craftsmanship.
At the same time, the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, under the leadership of Professor Kaare Klint, began educating a new generation of furniture architects. This collaboration between skilled craftsmen and visionary architects, fueled by healthy competition, would prove instrumental in propelling Danish furniture design to international prominence after the war.
Craftsmanship, Architecture, and a New Design Language
The collaboration between architects, cabinetmakers, and the academic environment at the Academy of Fine Arts gave rise to a new design ethos. This was a time when high-quality craftsmanship met the realities of limited budgets and the need for durable construction, leading to a distinct new approach to furniture design. The emphasis was placed on the interaction between the user, the details of the design, and the materials used—creating pieces that were as functional as they were aesthetically pleasing.
While post-war design trends were often dominated by functionalism, Danish design introduced an organic form of functionalism that moved away from rigid geometric shapes. This new direction embodied a simplicity that was both refined and demanding, with a focus on how users interacted with furniture and how the design elements harmonized with the surrounding environment.
Danish Design, the Iconic Chair, and International Recognition
By the 1950s, Danish furniture had captured the attention of the international design community, setting new standards for quality and style. One of the most groundbreaking figures in this movement was Hans Jørgen Wegner, whose 1949 chair became synonymous with "Danish Design."
The chair gained global recognition after being featured in the 1960 presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. It became known as "the chair" and sparked a surge in international demand for Danish furniture. One of the leading manufacturers responding to this demand was Fritz Hansen, who, in collaboration with architect Arne Jacobsen, merged innovative design with industrial production.
While designers like Charles Eames had explored plywood furniture before, Jacobsen was the first to manipulate veneer into three-dimensional forms, creating iconic pieces like the "Ant" and "Series 7" chairs. His subsequent experiments with plastics led to designs such as the "Egg" and "Swan" chairs, which remain iconic in Danish design today.
The legacy of this era is marked by a long list of visionary cabinetmakers and architects who helped shape Danish design, raising the bar for quality and pushing the boundaries of what furniture could be. The influence of their work continues to resonate today, setting the high standards that define Danish design worldwide.
View the collection of posters and artworks here:
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