Jens Risom

Jens Risom was a key figure in the development of modern design in the United States, combining Danish craftsmanship traditions with a functional and accessible vision. Born in Copenhagen in 1916 and trained under the tutelage of the celebrated cabinetmaker Kaare Klint, he shared classrooms with names like Hans J. Wegner. In 1939, he emigrated to the United States and just two years later designed the first furniture collection produced by Hans Knoll, making a decisive contribution to the identity of mid-20th-century American design.

In 1946, he founded Jens Risom Design Inc., a company that would soon become one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the United States. His balanced approach to beauty, functionality, and efficient production allowed him to achieve great commercial success without sacrificing his aesthetic integrity. His pieces are part of the permanent collections of MoMA and the RISD Museum. In recognition of his career, he was awarded the Danish Knight's Cross and received an Honorary Doctorate from the Rhode Island School of Design. Jens Risom left a legacy of elegant, timeless, and deeply humane design.