Classic mid-century design is always high on my list of things I love, and Jens Risom’s past (and current) work is some of the best examples of splendid thoughtful design. He began his career in the US working with and for many prestigious interior designers and architects in New York City including Hans Knoll in 1941, when he designed the first ever Knoll Chair (which was part of the 600 line). His career was put on hold while he served in WWII under Gerneral Patton’s Third Army. When he finally returned from war his old friend Hans had married Florence Schust who was a brilliant designer, but preferred the use of metal in furniture design (ala Mies and Saarinen) so Risom went his own way and created Jens Risom Design Inc.

His designs continue to have a stout earthbound quality with stout bodies and tapering slender legs made of wood. Each piece almost looks sculptural.  His company became a large manufacturing outfit which Risom was not totally thrilled about as design was his first passion. He still designs today (at age 93) and his work is still stunning, and getting better with age, and his older pieces, well, their still very relevant!