Jens Risom
Jens Risom was a true talent and a pivotal player in the Danish Modernism movement, especially his role in introducing a Scandinavian sensibility to the American market. There he pursued a successful career designing an array of pieces that stemmed from functionality, imbued with a New York sense of style and savoir-faire. Risom went on to influence the global design arena and left a legacy of stunning, streamlined designs.
A strong proponent of the idea that design should be modest, minimal, and not center stage, Risom’s understated approach to elegance is seen in his preference for gentle curves, geometric angles, clever construction, and affinity for continuity.
“ Good design means that anything good will go well with other equally good things. ”
Jens Risom
Brought Danish design to the United States
Jens Risom was born in 1916 in Copenhagen. His father, Sven, was a successful architect in the neo-Classical style, and his mother was a homemaker.
In the 1930s, Jens Risom studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts together with Hans J. Wegner, who were both taught by Kaare Klint, the father of Danish modernism.
Shortly before Germany invaded Denmark in 1940, Risom emigrated to the United States, where he became a renowned designer.
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Meet our designers
Since our foundation in 1911, we have built up a strong tradition of beautiful craftsmanship and innovative design, developed in close collaboration with a circle of internationally recognised designers.
