danish

Arne Jacobsen was a renowned Danish Architect who spent most of his life designing buildings, private and public, but I think it is safe to say he is probably better known for his iconic furniture design than his buildings. Even if you don’t know it, chances are you will have seen his Series 7 chair in one reincarnation or other. Its simple design using one sheet of bent plywood is instantly recognisable and much copied by all modern furniture manufacturers.

One of his best known buildings is the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Not only did he design the building, but being a perfectionist, Jacobsen also designed the furniture and even this set of cutlery for the hotel.

How many architects today would go to the lengths of designing the furniture and cutlery for any of their buildings? Very few, if any, I imagine.

The beauty of Jacobsen’s work is that it is both functional and modern. Made simply of brushed stainless steel, the design is as fresh today as it was 60 years ago when it was introduced to the diners at the Royal Hotel Copenhagen. It was later produced by Georg Jensen where it is still available to buy today.

While most of my friends parents had fairly traditional canteens of cutlery with a mirror finish and swirling ornate chunky handles, which were rolled out at special occasions or saved for ‘best’, my parents had this set.  Certainly a talking point among friends who were invited around for dinner, “what a funny shape for a knife” or “how do you hold this spoon?”, but much admired for its simplicity and the way it has been produced from one piece of metal.

Even now, on family get-togethers, it is still commented on and will continue to do so I am sure for many years to come.

You can buy your own set at Georg Jensen. Even if your friends don’t admire its beauty it is a great conversation starter at any dinner party.

The chair above is from The Conran Shop