Mid-century lighting by Jens Quistgaard (Denmark)

Jens Harald Quistgaard, commonly known as Jens Quistgaard, was a Danish industrial designer renowned for his contributions to the field of kitchenware design. He was born in 1919, in Copenhagen, Denmark. His father was a silversmith, and Quistgaard began learning the craft at a young age. He also studied drawing and sculpture at the technical school in Copenhagen. After completing his studies, Quistgaard worked for several different design studios, designing furniture, jewellery, and other objects.

In 1954, Quistgaard met the American businessman Ted Nierenberg. Nierenberg was impressed by Quistgaard's work, and he invited him to come to the United States to work for his company, Dansk Designs. Quistgaard accepted Nierenberg's offer, and he moved to New York City in 1955. This partnership proved to be instrumental in Quistgaard's career as it provided him with a platform to showcase his innovative designs to a global audience.

Quistgaard's more... designs were characterized by a seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. He drew inspiration from various sources, including Scandinavian folklore, nature, and historical design elements. His work often featured clean lines, organic shapes, and a strong emphasis on functionality.

One of Quistgaard's most iconic designs was his collaboration with Dansk Designs on the creation of the Kobenstyle line of cookware in 1956. Kobenstyle introduced a fresh and modern approach to kitchenware design, with its sleek enameled steel pots and pans featuring distinctive teak handles. The line was an instant success, and its popularity endured for decades. In addition to Kobenstyle, Quistgaard designed a wide range of kitchenware products for Dansk Designs, including flatware, serving utensils, cutting boards, salt and pepper mills, and more. His designs were characterized by their high-quality materials, attention to detail, and timeless appeal. Byy 1982, Quistgaard had created more than 2,000 different designs for Dansk of dinnerware, glassware and items for the home.

Quistgaard's contributions to kitchenware design extended beyond his work with Dansk Designs. He collaborated with numerous other companies and created designs for renowned brands such as Georg Jensen, Kronjyden, and Nissen Denmark, among others. His work received critical acclaim and several prestigious awards, including the Gold Medal at the Triennale di Milano in 1957.

Quistgaard's lighting designs are particularly notable for their simple, elegant forms and their use of natural materials, such as wood and glass. Some of his most iconic lighting designs include the Cobra lamp, the Fjord lamp, and the Tjorn lamp.

In 1985, Quistgaard left Dansk Designs to start his own design studio. He continued to design products for the rest of his life, and he died in 2008 at the age of 88. less...