In 2010, The New York Times described Jens Risom as “the 93-year-old Danish-American designer who has reached that point in craft and longevity where he is referred to as an icon.” Another piece in New York magazine last year noted: “It’s not going too far to say that Risom is the person most responsible for bringing Scandinavian design to this country, remaking the look of the American home forever.” (h/t Alexandra Lange) According to multiple reports online, the midcentury design icon died on Friday at age 100.
Born in Copenhagen, Risom established his own firm in 1946, and also collaborated on furniture for Design Within Reach and Knoll. “He lived an inspiring and long life,” said Design Within Reach CEO John Edelman in a blog post. “We loved working with him.” Museums and former collaborators published remembrances on social media.
