THE FATHER OF DANISH MODERN

One of the most revered founding fathers of Danish furniture design, Kaare Klint influenced several generations of furniture designers with his mathematically based functionalism. Klint’s own designs have today proven to be timeless classics and a testament to impeccable craftsmanship. Design and architecture played important roles in Klint’s life from a young age. As the son of architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint, he developed an early interest in finding ways to unite function and aesthetics. Together with his son, Esben Klint, Klint took over finishing the Copenhagen landmark, the Grundtvig’s Church, 19 years after it first appeared on his father’s drawing pad.

1914

FAABORG CHAIR

Kaare Klint’s KK9662 Faaborg Chair was designed for contemplating artwork at the Danish Faaborg Museum. Widely regarded as the first Danish modern design classic, the chair started a new era for design, creating a foundation for the Danish Modern period that occurred globally in the 1950s.

1927—1933

RED CHAIR

The KK37580 Red Chair won international acclaim when showcased at the Danish Museum of Art and Design and the Danish Pavilion at the Barcelona International Exposition in 1929. In 1933, additional sizes were added to the Red Chair Series, with references to English Chippendale chair designs.

1930

ADDITION SOFA

The first version of the KK48650 Addition Sofa was created in the early 1930s for Copenhagen’s prestigious New Carlsberg Foundation offices. Inspired by a French rococo sofa, the design is a bold testament to simplification and purpose due to its modular design and clever construction.

1930

MIX CHAIR

Since its unveiling in 1930, Klint’s KK43960 Mix Chair has earned iconic status among collectors. This easy chair is admired as much for its elegant, flowing form as for its intricate construction concept with a design exposing a sophisticated geometric exercise.

1933

SAFARI CHAIR

Another iconic example of Klint’s design ideology – the KK47000 Safari Chair. Klint effortlessly transformed a historical archetype into a modern, collapsible chair. His considered design is a hallmark of sophistication, well-conceived proportions, and remarkable material effects. The Safari Chair was first presented in 1933 at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition.

Kaare Klint

1888-1954

Recognized as the father of modern Danish Design, Kaare Klint made a name for himself as a craftsman, visionary designer, and educator. Kaare Klint was highly immersed in architecture but would become best known for his work in furniture design. As one of the first designers to elevate functionalism and the practical study of design above style and academic tradition, Kaare Klint was a true reformer. Focusing on the human scale, proportions, and everyday functionality, Klint created ‘human furniture’ based on studies of the human body.

Klint insisted on clear, logical design, clean lines, the best materials, and superb craftsmanship in his work. In 1924, he helped establish the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. As a professor at the Academy, he would teach some of the greatest designers of the 20th century, including Hans J. Wegner, Mogens Koch, Arne Jacobsen, and Poul Kjærholm. Inspired by Klint, these designers would go on to shape the Golden Age of Danish Design.

In homage to Kaare Klint’s life and work, Carl Hansen & Søn presents ‘A Tribute to Kaare Klint’a series of home visits where we step into the private residences of people living and working with Klint’s iconic designs. Common for all is their love for design, art, and architecture.