ARNE JACOBSEN (1902-1971) was one of Denmark's most influential 20th century architects and designers. Both his buildings and products combine modernist ideals with a Nordic love of naturalism.

One of Arne Jacobsen’s greatest achievements is perhaps the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, completed in 1960. It is undoubtedly on of the finest examples of "total environments". In everything from the elegant curtain-wall structure; over the furniture; the lighting;; the textiles; the door handles; right down to the cutlery in the restaurant, Jacobsen’s creative talent was evident. Here some of his finest pieces of furniture was first introduced. The full bodied sculptural shapes of “The Egg” and “The Swan” chairs now considered modern furniture icons, constituted an interesting contrast to the angular, stringent building.

Arne Jacobsen was the renaissance-man of Danish architecture and design. He mastered the whole gamut of the profession, whether the object in question was a high-rise hotel, a chair or a door handle, he worked with an obvious enthusiasm and vigour.

Arne Jacobsen