BEST OF DANISH DESIGN - KAI KRISTIANSEN

Kai Kristiansen
Kristiansens designs are true examples of Danish mid twentieth century furniture. He designed everything from writing desks, tables, sideboards, chair, bar cabinets, TV- stands, mostly using teak or rosewood. His 1960s sofa set consists of two corner chairs, one center chair with stool, which can be used in different configurations. The frames of the chairs are beautifully curved rosewood. The majority where made with the firm Feldballes Møbelfabrik was established in Århus, Denmark and was active in the 1950s. One of the highlights of its production was based on the cooperation with furniture designer Kai Kristiansen - the so-called FM system, or "FM-reolen". This elegant and highly flexible shelving system was made of oak or rosewood. He is one to watch and collect. Simply beautiful dateless design.

THINGS IN MY HOME - CHRISTIAN DELL / KAISER-IDELL Luxus desk lamp

Christian Dell, Kaiser-Idell Bauhaus Lamp
German
circa 1930's
Fine & original Christian Dell Bauhaus desk lamp for Kaiser-Idell. This is model 6631 "Luxus". Black shade, chrome and black base, adjustable at the base and at the shade, labeled Kaiser-Idell on the shade.

Silversmith, designer and teacher. In the years from 1907-11 Christian Dell served his apprenticeship as a silversmith at the ”Sächsische Kunstgewerbeschule“ in Hanau. From 1912-13 he studied at the ”Sächsische Kunstgewerbeschule“ in Weimar under the leadership of Henry Van de Velde. 1922-25 he worked as a supervisor at the Metallwerkstatt Bauhaus Weimar. In 1926 Christian Dell was promoted to principal of the Metallwerkstatt at the ”Frankfurter Kunstschule”. Shortly after the National Socialists Party took over Germany in 1933 the Frankfurter Kunstschule was shut down and Christian Dell was dismissed. Christian Dell went into hiding, however, stayed in Germany. After the WW ll Christian Dell returned to his profession as silversmith. In 1948 he opened a jeweller's shop in Wiesbaden, which he successfully kept until 1955. Christian Dell then retired and lived a quiet life in Wiesbaden until his death in 1974. In the period from 1926-34 Christian Dell designed numerous lamps and recorded his biggest success, the famous KAISER idell, in cooperation with the lighting manufacturer Gebr. Kaiser & Co. in Neheim, Germany.

"idell" stands for the idea of Christian Dell, principal of the "Metallwerkstatt "in Weimar 1922 to 1925.
As Bauhaus designer Christian Dell became one of the leading characters behind the innovative and pioneering designs in the early 1930‘ies Bauhaus era. Dell’s influence was trend setting and visible in many designs throughout decades.
Christian Dell’ s KAISER idell series was and still is timeless. The series was produced throughout many years and its uniqueness is to compare with the German design icons: VW Beetle and Ferdinand Porsches model 911.
Christian Dell’s lamp designs are exhibited at the "Museum of Modern Art" in New York.

BEST OF DANISH DESIGN - HANS OLSEN

A much collected and desired Danish designer is Hans Olsen. Very little is written about him. He was designing innovative furniture from 150 - 1970. His Frem Rojle dining set is probably his most well know and desired item. Genius design with three legged legs that fit perfectly underneath the table. Great for those small spaces. All his designs have good organic shape and are only sure to increase in value.

THINGS IN MY HOME - BITOSSI - ALDO LONDI

ALDO LONDI -
The most important figure for the success of Ceramica Bitossi was that of the master Aldo Londi. With his originality and intuitions he marked a characteristic period in the ceramic history. Among the lines he created, we can remember in particular the line Rimini Blu, for which the Ceramica Bitossi is known all over the world.

My personal favourite of the many extensive ranges that Londi did for Italian firm Bitossi, is the Rimini Blue collection. Many of his designs have been reissued, but items can still be picked up for pennies on ebay.