Dreaming of a puffin?

Kay Bojesen (1886-1958) long since secured himself a place in the history books of Danish design. Using simple effects and his great skill as a craftsman, in the 1940s and 1950s he created the funny wooden figures which have passed between the hands of generations. Over the years, the monkeys, bears and Life Guards, have fuelled many an imaginative childhood moment.  

In all their simplicity  

The figures have become synonymous with quality toys, but, hand on heart, Bojesen’s toys are as if from the far distant past. They stand in stark contrast to the elaborate plastic toys of today with all their flashing lights and sound effects. Unlike modern toys, Bojesen’s minimalist figures allowed children to use their imagination and to create their own universe. The first toys were not created with a view to selling them. Bojesen designed them for his newborn son and they were thus born of a genuine interest in the world of children.

The playful silversmith

Bojesen started out as a silversmith. He took his apprenticeship at Georg Jensen in 1907, and after studying in Germany and France, he was able to settle down in Copenhagen as a master silversmith. Bojesen was one of the forces behind the establishment of “Den Permanente” – an exhibition for Copenhagen artisans. 

His early silverwork was inspired by Art Nouveau, but Bojesen later embraced the demands of functionalism for clean-cut, simple design. This was also evident in the wooden figures, which made him a household name. The original figures remain hugely popular with the young and old alike, but primarily as collectibles today.

Preview and auction

At the auction you will find a rich selection of all of Bojesen’s most famous wooden figures, and it is also an opportunity for you to come face to face with rarities such as the chef figure, the lion of braided rope, the big bear and Lise with dog and pram. The preview takes place from 7–17 September and the final hammer falls on Tuesday 17 September, from 7 pm. 

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