Poul Kjaerholm

Poul Kjærholm (1929-1980) was one of the most prominent names in the history of Danish design. His style, which he strictly adhered to throughout his career, envisaged blending the inspiration of the great masters of Modernism of the 1930s such as Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe with the delicate craftsmanship typical of design. He was among the first Danish designers to extensively use tubular steel in the design of the base of his chairs and armchairs, often coupled with the choice of warm and natural materials such as leather or wicker for the seat. He studied as a cabinetmaker at the Copenhagen School of Applied Arts, where he was one of the favorite pupils of the great architect Jørn Utzon. During his lifetime he was always loyal to the company of his friend Ejvind Kold Christensen, who exclusively produced all of his furnishings. Among the most important awards he has won are two Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale (1957, 1960) and a Lunning Prize (1958). Shortly after his death, E. Kold Christensen was taken over by the greatest Fritz Hansen, who still has some of his most iconic products in Kjærholm's collections. Some of his creations have also been re-edited over the years by Carl Hansen & Søn and PP Møbler.