I recently took a trip to Copenhagen; a city known for its exceptional design and art scene. From museums to galleries, there is no shortage of places to visit for those interested in seeing some of the best designs and art that the city has to offer. A long-time lover of Danish design and having worked with brands such as Fritz Hansen on projects here in the UAE I felt it was time to make a trip and see it all for myself.
The roots of Danish furniture design can be traced back to the early 20th century. During this time, designers were inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the principles of functionalism. One of the key figures in Danish furniture design was Kaare Klint, who is often referred to as the father of modern Danish furniture design. Klint's designs were characterized by a focus on functionality, simplicity, and high-quality materials.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Danish furniture design reached its peak. Designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, and Børge Mogensen created iconic designs that are still popular today. Their work was characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and the use of natural materials such as wood and leather. These designers helped to establish Denmark as a leader in modern furniture design and that foundation can still be seen today in more 'modern works.
Having shopped until I dropped, and walked the city till my feet bled (not even an exaggeration) two modern brands that I own, shop and love which really stood out were HAY Design and Normann Copenhagen.
HAY Design is a Danish furniture and home accessories brand founded in 2002. The brand's philosophy is to create a modern, functional, and accessible design that can be enjoyed by everyone. HAY works with a variety of designers from around the world to create furniture, lighting, textiles, and home accessories that are both practical and beautiful. I have written about them before, with their reissue of the Crate Collection, and needed to take the time to see the showroom and office space for myself.
One of HAY's most popular designs is the About A Chair (AAC) series, designed by Hee Welling. The AAC series is a collection of chairs that are both comfortable and versatile, with a simple and elegant design that blends seamlessly into any space. The AAC series includes a variety of chairs, including dining chairs, lounge chairs, and office chairs, all of which are available in a wide range of colours and finishes.
I was given the opportunity to view the outdoor exhibition space and got to see the popular Palissade outdoor furniture collection, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The Palissade collection includes chairs, benches, and tables that are perfect for outdoor spaces, with a sleek and minimalist design that is both practical and stylish. The collection is made from powder-coated steel, making it durable and weather-resistant and can be purchased from The Bowery Company here in the UAE.
I may have bought a few things including the PC portable lamp and the amazing giant HAY canvas bag that now is used almost daily.
Normann Copenhagen is another popular Danish furniture and home accessories brand. The brand was founded in 1999 with the aim of creating original and innovative designs that challenge conventional thinking. Normann Copenhagen works with a variety of designers to create furniture, lighting, textiles, and home accessories that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
One of Normann Copenhagen's most popular designs is the Form series, designed by Simon Legald. The Form series includes a range of chairs, bar stools, and lounge chairs that are both comfortable and stylish, with a simple and elegant design that is perfect for modern living spaces. The Form series is available in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing you to customize your furniture to suit your style.
I have a range of pieces from Normann Copenhagen including the Shorebirds and Little Birds which are the cutest additions to any shelf (bought from Nordic Nest). I bought some of the terracotta collection while there and had my eye on the amazing furniture that they were clearing from the space to make way for Design Week in June, alas my suitcase was too small and my pockets were not deep enough to justify to my other half!
Since I couldn't bring furniture home with me I needed to make a 'must-see' trip to Kay Bojesen; a Danish designer known for his playful and functional designs, particularly his wooden toys and homeware. Born in 1886 in Copenhagen, Bojesen trained as a silversmith before founding his own workshop in the 1920s, where he began to experiment with wood as a material.
Bojesen's most famous creations are his wooden animals, which he designed to be both toys and decorative objects. Some of Bojesen's most iconic designs include the wooden monkey, which was first produced in 1951, and the wooden bear, which was designed in 1952. I have my eye on the 70th-anniversary edition monkey...may be saving up for the giant one for a while!
Bojesen's work has become iconic an example of Danish design, known for its timeless appeal and high-quality craftsmanship. His work has been exhibited in museums around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and comes with the Danish Royal seal of approval.
I didn't manage to go everywhere I wanted, a few places were left undiscovered but that just means there is more to see on my next visit, hopefully not in the too-distant future.
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