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DESIGNER PORTRAIT

Illum Wikkelsø

1919 - 1999

Danish furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø (1919–1999) believed that

furniture should be built to last, to indulge the body and to please

the eye. With his clear design aesthetic and deep understanding of

materials, he was one of the key protagonists in making Danish style

an international phenomenon.

Wikkelsø worked with clean lines, but he also had a strong sense of

organic expression and was deeply inspired by nature – especially the

Danish landscape. His profound understanding of form was coupled

with a deep commitment to exemplary levels of functionality and

ergonomics.

Although Wikkelsø was in many ways in tune with the design

aesthetic of his time, he had both the courage and ability to develop

his own innovative style which was often expressive and surprising,

but always focused on sublime craftsmanship and attention to detail.