Design story
Jo (Johannes) Hammerborg (1920 – 1982) was a notable Danish designer, best known for his work in the field of industrial design during the mid-20th century. Hammerborg was born in Denmark, grew up on the outskirts of Randers in a regular middle-class family.
He trained as a silversmith and later participated in Denmark’s resistance and struggle for freedom in 1940-45 as a saboteur. After Hammerborg graduated from the prestige Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts he worked as a silversmith at Georg Jensen. In 1957, he was hired as chief designer at the lamp manufacturer Fog & Mørup, where he worked until 1980.
Jo Hammerborg is known for clean and organic lines, functional aesthetics, and innovative use of materials, particularly in the design of lamps. Hammerborg’s work is often associated with the Danish modern design movement, which emphasizes simplicity and minimalism, where form follows function.
One of his most famous contributions was his work with the Danish company Fog & Mørup, where he was the head designer. At Fog & Mørup, Hammerborg designed a range of pendant lamps and other lighting solutions that became iconic for their modern look. His designs often featured the use of metals and glass, creating pieces that were not only visually appealing but also functional for everyday use.
Fog & Mørup was founded by Ansgar Fog (1880 to 1930) and Erik Mørup (1879-1972) in Aarhus, Denmark in 1904.
Hammerborg’s work has been featured in numerous design exhibitions and is celebrated for its timeless quality. His pieces continue to be sought after by collectors and are viewed as significant items in the history of design.
In his private life Jo Hammerborg was an active and very versatile athlete who, along with his professional career, was also a pioneer in parachuting and flying. In a tragic manner, it was his great passion for skydiving that cost him his life when, at the age of only 62, he died in an accident.
