Arne Jacobsen

In the 1950s, Arne Jacobsen created some of his most famous furniture pieces – including the Egg, the Swan, the Drop, the Lily, the Grand Prix Chair, the Airport Series and the Syver Chair. Several of these are now considered international design icons and sought-after classics of Danish modernism.

Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971)

Danish architect and designer – master of modernism

“If I have a philosophy, it must be sitting in the design studio” – Arne Jacobsen.

Arne Emil Jacobsen was one of Denmark's most significant architects and designers of the 20th century. He is internationally recognized as a key figure within Danish Modern and is behind some of the most iconic buildings and furniture in Danish design history.


Background and education

Arne Jacobsen grew up in Copenhagen in a home marked by the heavy, clunky style of the time, which likely sparked his early sense of a lighter, more functional aesthetic. He initially dreamed of becoming a painter, but he followed his father's advice and began studying architecture at the Copenhagen Academy of Fine Arts (1924–1927) under teachers such as Kay Fisker and Kaj Gottlob.
Already as a student, he made an international mark when he won a silver medal at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 1925 for the so-called Paris Chair. Here he was also inspired by Le Corbusier and European modernism, which had a decisive influence on his work.



Architecture and buildings

Jacobsen became known for combining functionalism with a simple, Scandinavian aesthetic. Among his most important projects in Denmark and internationally are:

  • The Bellavista building (1935), Klampenborg – a masterpiece of Danish modernism.
  • Bellevue Theatre and Bellevue Strandbad (1930s) – master plan with architecture, interior and furniture.
  • Aarhus City Hall (1942) – in collaboration with Erik Møller and with furniture by Hans J. Wegner.
  • Danmarks Nationalbank (1961–1971), Copenhagen - with facade of Porsgrunn marble.
  • St. Catherine's College , Oxford (1962–1966) – modernism adapted to historical context.
  • The Danish Embassy in London (1969–1977) and the Town Hall in Mainz .

His architecture is characterized by total design – building, interior and furniture were created as a whole.





Iconic furniture by Arne Jacobsen

Arne Jacobsen is behind a long line of classics that are still among the most sought-after pieces of Scandinavian design and original vintage:

  • The Ant (1952) – The Ant chair was originally designed for Novo Nordisk's canteen; a pioneer in molded veneer.
  • Series 7 / Seven (1955) – the world's best-selling designer chair; produced by Fritz Hansen.
  • The Grand Prix chair (1957) – awarded the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale.
  • The Giraffe (1959) – dining chair for the SAS Royal Hotel.
  • The Egg (1958) – iconic lounge chair created for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen.
  • The Swan (1958) – also for the SAS Royal Hotel; both as a chair and sofa.
  • The Drop (1958) – for the hotel's restaurants and meeting rooms.
  • Series 3300 (1956–1958) – sofa and lounge series for the SAS Royal Hotel.
  • Liljen (1968) – chair for the National Bank of Denmark, known for its elegant shape.
  • The Oxford Chair (1963) – developed for St. Catherine's College, Oxford.
  • The AJ chair (1958) – upholstered armchair for the SAS Royal Hotel.
  • AJ tables and coffee tables – simple tables in laminate or wood.
  • AJ lamps (1960) – wall, floor and table lamps, designed for the SAS Royal Hotel and produced by Louis Poulsen.

These pieces of furniture are timeless design icons and sought-after collectors' items in the market for original vintage furniture.




Producers and collaborations

  • Fritz Hansen – main manufacturer of the chairs and sofas (The Ant, Series 7, The Egg, The Swan, Grand Prix, Oxford, etc.).
  • Louis Poulsen – manufacturer of lamp designs, including the famous AJ series (1960) and the Bellevue lamp (1929).
  • Rud. Rasmussen Joinery – special projects and wooden furniture.
  • Nissen & Co. – wicker furniture.
  • R. Wengler – wicker furniture from the early years.
  • Asko – selected productions in the 1960s.
  • Stelton – some cutlery and kitchen items.
  • Holmegaard – elegant glass designs.
     etc.




Legacy and legacy

Designer Arne Jacobsen died suddenly in 1971, while he was still working on several major projects. His studio was continued by Hans Dissing and Otto Weitling, who completed, among other things, the National Bank of Denmark. Today, he is synonymous with Danish modernism and Scandinavian design, and his furniture and lamps are still in production - while the original versions are highly valued on the international market for vintage design.


Experience Arne Jacobsen's original furniture at KLASSIK

Do you dream of owning an original piece of furniture by Arne Jacobsen? At KLASSIK you will find a handpicked selection of his most iconic design classics – from chairs and sofas to tables and lamps. All furniture is genuine vintage and selected for its authenticity and quality.

If we don't have the exact piece of furniture you are looking for, we will be happy to help you find it. Contact us at support@klassik.dk or call 33 33 90 60 – or visit our store at Bredgade 3, Copenhagen, where you can experience original works by Arne Jacobsen and other big names in Danish design.