Illum Wikkelso

Illum Wikkelso (spelled Wikkelsø) was a brilliant and at times unconventional designer of the 20th century. Wikkelso was often inspired by natural organic forms and the Danish landscape, which is evident in the clean lines and waves that characterises his designs. Considering his massive talent, surprisingly little biographical information exist about this designer and architect.

As many other designers of his time, Wikkelso’s career started as a cabinetmaker in 1938. He later studied at Danish School of Design where he graduated in 1941. After graduating he held positions with the cabinetmaker Jacob Kjaer and the architectural firm of Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen. A few years later, Wikkelso moved to Aarhus (second largest city in Denmark) where he worked as an interior designer.

When Wikkelso began designing his own furniture in 1954, his career really took off. A few years later he started his own workshop. His background in cabinetry meant he had an excellent understanding of the material he worked with (mostly rosewood and teak).

This deep understanding of material meant that he only worked with the best furniture manufacturers. During his career he collaborated with manufacturers such as Holgar Christiansen, Komfort, and Soren Willadsen.

The style of his design is a balance between aestheticism, simplicity and functionality. Wikkelso believed that furniture should be built to last while cradling the body and pleasing the eye.

Illum Wikkelso might be less known than other Scandinavian designers such as Hans J Wegner or Børge Mogensen. Nonetheless he was a great contributor of the expansion of Scandinavian design in the 1950s and 1960s.

The rich, organic quality of Wikkelso’s designs found on the vintage market is a reflection of his status as an active contributor of Scandinavian modernism in the post-war era.

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