Design story
Illum Wikkelsø Plexus Table designed in 1960s and manufactured by CFC Silkeborg. This table matches the Illum Wikkelsø Plexus lounge chair we also have in stock.
Limited information exists about CFC Silkeborg. However, we know it all began in a backyard house in the town of Silkeborg in 1899. Carl Frederik Christensen was 23 years old when he established his own workshop where he manufactured everything from smoke pipe tips to table and chair legs. As the company expanded, it moved to a new and bigger location and from 1930s C.F. Christensen started to also produce furniture. It soon became a well-known and highly respected furniture company. The company closed in 2002.
Kristian 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 the early 1940s. 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 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 a good understanding of the material he worked with (mostly teak and rosewood).
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, Soren Willadsen and of course CFC Silkeborg who produced the Illum Wikkelso Plexus table.
