Tag: Scandinavian design

Safari chair, designed by Erik Woerts (1916–1997) for Eilersen, 1960s. Photograph courtesy of Mass Modern Design, Roosendaal, Netherlands. The historian Ian Mortimer has argued that Edward III, king of England from 1327 to 1377, was the ideal sovereign—not because of his spectacular deeds or military triumphs, but because he continually sought to improve his governance of the realm. Before making any key decision, Mortimer says, Edward seems to have asked himself “What would a perfect king do now?” and then acted accordingly. It is easy for an absolute monarch to become complacent. But a commitment to personal excellence requires persistent self-assessment. That lesson applies to the esteemed Danish furniture company Niels Eilersen, which began life in the nineteenth century as a carriage-making business. The young wheelwright who founded the eponymous firm had vowed, as an apprentice, to make something exceptional: a lighter, faster, and more comfortable horse-drawn coach. He managed to design and craft the carriages that launched his company through effort, perseverance, strength, and, one presumes, by continually asking himself how to bring his vehicles closer to perfection. While other carriage builders were overcome by frustrations or physics and decided that good enough is good enough, Eilersen wasn’t and didn’t. And if the march of technology was inexorable, Eilersen and his company adapted, moving on from carriages to build wooden frames for early motor vehicles. Later, the firm expanded into production of chairs and frames for upholstered sofas. The furniture business grew rapidly, leading to the company we know today. Rocking chair, designed by llum Wikkelsoe (1919–1999) for Eilersen, 1958. Photograph courtesy of Eilersen, Skamby, Denmark. This is where our interests and Eilersen intersect. If you haven’t noticed (by which we mean you’ve definitely noticed), Scandinavian style is having a very long moment in the spotlight. Sleek furniture