Arne Jacobsen
Internationally renowned as one of the driving forces behind modern Danish design, Arne Jacobsen is one of the best known designers of the twentieth century.
Born in Copenhagen in 1902, Jacobsen studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and subsequently developed a successful career as an architect. It was only in the 1950s, after the Second World War that he started to turn his hand to furniture design having been inspired by the moulded plywood designs of Charles & Ray Eames as well as his own experiments. In 1951 Jacobsen released the iconic Ant Chair and it was a roaring success. Other models followed in quick succession and it was not long before Jacobsen became heralded for his chair designs.
On one hand his work is considered to epitomise mid-century Scandinavian style; on the other, it’s the perfect pairing between the avant-garde and practicality. More than sixty years on, market demand for his designs endures. A true icon of mid-century Danish design, Jacobsen’s creations are even displayed at London’s V&A museum.
Design Portfolio
Series 7 Chair
First produced in 1955, the Series 7 chair showcases one of the most iconic silhouettes in furniture history. With its signature curved backrest mirrored in the seat, cutaway waistline, and tubular steel legs, the Series 7 is a culmination of experimentation with the then-revolutionary pressure moulded plywood lamination techniques (started by Charles & Ray Eames). Durable yet slender, endlessly versatile, and subtle enough to complement any room, the series 7 is a timeless stalwart of modernist mid-century design.
Egg Lounge Chair
Conceptualised in 1958 as a contrasting piece for the sharp vertical lines of the Royal Hotel Copenhagen, the Egg is an instantly recognisable icon of mid-century design. Crafted using new techniques for its time, Jacobsen used a strong foam inner shell under the chair’s upholstery to create the egg-like sculptural curves. The chair sits atop a polished aluminium base and its intricate configuration requires bespoke leather or fabric which gives the cosy design a luxurious feel. Allowing the user to simply indulge in its curves and manufacturing techniques, the Egg is a lounge chair par excellence.
AJ Wall Light
Designed in 1957 for Copenhagen’s SAS Royal Hotel, the AJ wall light is considered to be one of the great pieces of twentieth century lighting design. Made from two geometric shapes that allow the shade to direct light exactly where needed, the inside of the shade is painted white to provide soft, balanced light, and the angle is fully adjustable to the user’s needs. Crafted from stainless steel and moulded zinc, the AJ wall light is still sold in its original sleek stainless steel finish. A range of stunning colours have been added to entice design aficionados to the sophisticated yet understated design.