Hans J. Wegner  1914-2007

Much of his furniture has been innovative and has remained role-models. He can simplify a construction and a design until it is precise and complete, without seeming unimaginative and boring.

In his arm chair it is characteristic that the arm and chair back are shaped from a continuous piece of ash wood bent with steam. The result is thereby a simplification and elegance, at the same time that use is prioritized, following the Klint school’s ideals.

Carpenter apprenticeship, 1928-32. Employed as skilled carpenter, 1932-35. Furniture designer from Arts & Crafts School in Copenhagen, 1936-38. Employed by architects Arne Jacobsen, Erik Møller and Flemming Lassens, 1946-48. Independent drawing office, 1943- . Member of Academic Architect Association, 1944. Teacher at the Arts & Crafts School, 1946-50. Also employed by architect Palle Suenson, 1946-48. Exhibition architect for the National Association of Danish Arts & Crafts 1949-52. Has designed furniture for Copenhagens Carpentry Guild’s Furniture Exhibitions since 1938, as well as for industrial companies since 1940.

Prizes and medals: Lunningprisen, 1951. Grand Prix, Trienalen in Milano, 1951. Prize and Gold Medal, Trienalen in Milano, 1954. Eckersberg Medal, 1956. Dansk Købestævnes Annual Medal, 1956. Silver medal at the Trienalen, 1957. The Carpentry Guild’s Annual Prize, 1959. Hon. Royal Designer of Industry, London, 1959. “Citation of Merit”, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, 1959. International Design Award, American Institute of Decorators for Furniture Design, 1961. Prins Eugen-Medal, Sverige, 1961. Carpentry Guild’s Annual Prize, 1965. Copenhagen’s Carpentry Guild’s Anniversery Scholarship, 1965. International Design Award, American Institute of Interior Designers, New York, 1967. “Citation of Merit” of American Institute of Interior Designers, 1968. Diploma di Colloborazione Trienale de Milano, 1973. Furniture Prize, 1980. C.F. Hansen Medal, 1982. Knight of the Dannebrog, 1984. Danish Design Council’s Annual Prize, 1987.

Has recieved more than 24 prizes for furniture. Has had exhibitions numorous places worldwide and is represented in a great number of museums the world over. Has also designed silverware, lamps and wallpaper. Since 1940, has designed more than 500 pieces of furniture for Danish industrial companies. Has collaborated with more than 15 of the leading companies in Denmark; among the best known are: Master carpenter Johannes Hansen from 1949. Fritz Hansen Eft.fl., 1943. FDB from 1944. Ry Møbler from 1951. Carl Hansen, Odense from 1950. Getama, Gedsted from 1951. PP Møbler, Allerød from 1954. First independent model for PP in 1975.