Børge Mogensen
Scandinavia is synonymous across the
world with progressiveness and innovation. Modern furniture designs from the
region have confirmed this impression with buyers and collectors everywhere for
decades at a time. Whether through superb functionality or a distinct aesthetic,
Scandinavian design continues to enjoy an exceptional reputation.
Børge Mogensen helped conceptualize the idea of “Danish
design” during his career as a furniture manufacturer and architect. Born in Aalborg,
Denmark, he began as a
cabinet maker before training as an architect at the Royal
Danish Academy
of Fine Arts.
Mogensen showed interest in modern lifestyles and looked to
create designs which integrated with them seamlessly. He paid great attention
to the functionality of his pieces and made them with that purpose foremost in his
mind. So concerned was he with optimization, that it is said he used to measure
common domestic objects in order to determine the proper dimensional averages
for shelving and storage plans. During
the 1950’s and 60’s he took it upon himself to produce a series of storage
units which could accommodate every conceivable storage need in the modern
home.
In his later career Mogensen succeeded friend, Kaare Klint,
as designer to the Danish Museum
of Decorative Art. He began to make more traditional works, but still focused closely on
functionality. He possessed a talent for including modern ideas within traditional
forms and did so for the whole of his career. In 1972 he was made Honorary Royal
Designer for Industry, London.
Mogensen’s furniture is in high demand still. Replicas of his work may be purchased by those who appreciate his design
philosophy and the crisp, Scandinavian aesthetic which he helped to cultivate.
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