
Jens Risom 1916–2016
Often credited with bringing the Scandinavian look to America, Jens Risom crafted enduring, modern furnishings throughout his lengthy career as a designer. Born in Copenhagen in 1916, Risom’s father Sven was a prominent architect. As a young man, he attended the Copenhagen School of Industrial arts and Design where he studied under the Danish masters, Ole Wanscher and Kaare Klint. After graduation, Risom cut his teeth in the design department of Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet, before moving to the United States in 1939. In New York City, Risom found freelance work with Dan Cooper and became acquainted with a driven young immigrant from Germany named Hans Knoll. Looking to expand his small company, Knoll asked Risom if he would be interested in designing furniture and interiors for clients around the city. Risom agreed, and in 1942, the duo published the first catalog for the Hans Knoll Company showcasing fifteen pieces from Risom’s 600 line. The inaugural collection included chairs, stools and lounges expertly crafted from spare wood with webbed seats woven from surplus parachute straps (a result of wartime material shortages). Their ingenuity paid off and the venture effectively launched the careers of both men and ushered in a new era of American design.
Auction Results Jens Risom

Jens Risom
wastebaskets, collection of seven
result: $10,625

Jens Risom
lounge chair and ottoman
result: $8,750

Jens Risom
settee
result: $6,875

Jens Risom
wastepaper baskets, set of six
result: $6,250

Jens Risom
lounge chairs model U-416, pair
result: $6,175

Jens Risom
benches model T621, pair
result: $5,625

Jens Risom
wastepaper baskets, set of eight
result: $5,000

Jens Risom
wastepaper baskets, set of six
result: $4,375

Jens Risom
wastepaper baskets, collection of eight
result: $4,128

Jens Risom
Freeshape coffee table, model T-362
result: $3,500

Jens Risom
Wingback lounge chair
result: $3,500

Jens Risom
magazine table, model T539
result: $3,500

Jens Risom
magazine table, model T539
result: $3,500

Jens Risom
magazine table
result: $2,457

Jens Risom
magazine table, model T539
result: $2,375

Jens Risom
bench, model T621
result: $2,304

Jens Risom
666 WSP dining chairs, set of six
result: $2,300

Jens Risom
wastebaskets model 8-35, set of five
result: $2,125

Jens Risom
U-251, sofa
result: $2,032

Jens Risom
wastebaskets, collection of five
result: $2,000

Jens Risom
desk
result: $1,875

Jens Risom
coffee table
result: $1,840

Jens Risom
dining chairs model C-170, set of six
result: $1,820

Jens Risom
dining chairs model 666USP, set of four
result: $1,625