20/3/2023
Ditzel was one of the few women who achieved success in a male-dominated profession, and her work continues to inspire and influence contemporary designers today.
Nanna Ditzel was a pioneer of Danish design who made significant contributions to the field during the mid-20th century. Her work was characterized by a focus on functionality, innovation, and simplicity, and her use of unconventional materials and techniques helped to redefine modern design. Ditzel's legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary designers, and she remains an important figure for women in design.
Nanna Ditzel was born on October 6, 1923, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her parents were both artists, and from a young age, Ditzel was exposed to the world of art and design. In 1943, she enrolled at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen, where she studied furniture design. Her education was interrupted by World War II, but after the war, she completed her studies and began her career as a designer.
Ditzel's work was characterized by a focus on functionality, innovation, and simplicity. She was known for using unconventional materials and techniques in her designs, and her work often challenged traditional ideas about form and function.
One of Ditzel's most famous designs is the Hanging Egg Chair, which she created in 1959 in collaboration with her husband, Jorgen Ditzel. The chair, which is suspended from the ceiling, has a sculptural form that is both comfortable and visually striking. It quickly became an icon of mid-century design and is still produced today.
Ditzel also designed a range of textiles, including upholstery fabrics, curtains, and wall hangings. Her textiles often featured bold colors and graphic patterns, and she was known for using new materials, such as fiberglass, in her work.
In addition to her work in furniture and textiles, Ditzel designed jewelry, tableware, and even a prefabricated house. Her diverse range of work reflected her belief that design should be accessible to everyone and should be integrated into all aspects of daily life.
Nanna Ditzel's impact on design was significant, and her work continues to inspire and influence contemporary designers today. Her focus on functionality, simplicity, and innovation, as well as her use of new materials and techniques, was groundbreaking and helped to redefine modern design.
Ditzel was also an important figure for women in design. She was one of the few women who achieved success in a male-dominated profession and helped to pave the way for other women to enter the field.
In recognition of her contributions to design, Ditzel received numerous awards throughout her career, including the prestigious Lunning Prize in 1956 and the Danish Design Award in 2003. Her work has been exhibited in museums around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
We have a unique coffee table designed by Ditzel in our collection. This design was mainly due to Grete Jalk's role in reviving the joinery exhibitions of the Association of Danish Furniture Makers. In the 1980s she succeeded in linking the remaining highly specialized workshops and her professionals to renowned designers. One of those collaborations was between Brdr. Krüger and Nanna Ditzel, with the intention being to blur the boundary between furniture making and spatial art. The material of choice was mainly maple, a wood that is both light and sturdy. This beautiful coffee table is the result of this special joint venture.
