Theme Auction: Quistgaard

On Tuesday 10 May at 7 pm we will host an online auction for items made by the designer Jens Harald Quistgaard (1919-2008). If you own some of his crafts or furniture, and you are considering a sale at auction, then stop by our office at Søren Frichs Vej 34 D in Aarhus or Sundkrogsgade 30 in Copenhagen. We will be ready with a free and non-binding valuation on weekdays and Saturdays. 

An Overlooked Success Story

Compared to his contemporaries, such as Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl and Arne Jacobsen, Quistgaard has had a more modest place in the history of Danish design. Nevertheless, he was one of the most internationally recognized Danish designers during the 1950s and 1960s. His furniture and crafts found their way into many homes in Europe, the United States, Russia and Japan, and he is today represented in museums worldwide. Yet, many still do not know him by name, while many of his products are present in most kitchens - such as the classic can opener shaped like a shark fin.

Functionalism and Craftsmanship

Quistgaard's focus followed the contemporary functionalist idiom, and one of his characteristic statements was:

"The usefulness of a product must never be disregarded. It must never be minimized in favour of style."

The starting point for Quistgaard was at the same time a respect for traditional craftsmanship and the use of nature’s materials. The result was a brilliant series of beautiful trays, bowls, jugs, chairs, cutlery, stools and much, much more.

In the late 1950s, the American manufacturer Ted Nierenberg Copenhagen, and he became acquainted with Quistgaard's kitchen design. The meeting led to a career as chief designer at the company Danish Designs, which have produced many classics marked with Quistgaard's initials "JHQ".