A design talk with Christian Holmsted Olesen as moderator and a panel comprising Christian Hammer Juhl, Signe Bindslev Henriksen, Louise Vesterskov Sørensen and Malte Gormsen.
Christian Holmsted Olesen – design historian and Head of Collections at Designmuseum Danmark – opened the evening with a remarkable introduction to the global history of design and the ongoing dialogue between international currents and Danish design tradition. A reminder that Danish design has never existed in a vacuum, but has always been shaped by the encounter between the local and the global. And that it is precisely in that encounter where something special emerges – when the craftsman and the architect/designer work closely together to interpret and shape new ideas using local materials and local knowledge. It is that process which, over decades, has produced some of the pieces we today call Danish design icons.
One of our guests summed up the evening well: "A fascinating introduction to the history of design and craftsmanship, and a wonderful conversation about the significance and role of craft today."
The panel consisted of Christian Hammer Juhl (Christian+Jade), Signe Bindslev Henriksen (Space Copenhagen), Louise Vesterskov Sørensen (Sørensen Læder) og Malte Gormsen – four voices who each work closely with materials, craftsmanship and what gives furniture and spaces their character and longevity.
The conversation circled around questions we rarely take the time to ask: What does it mean to produce in Denmark – and how do we ensure that knowledge and skills are kept local? What is lost when we choose the cheap and the quick? What is the value of the close collaboration between designer, architect and craftsman – and what happens when that collaboration disappears? And how do we create furniture, spaces and materials with a quality and durability that extends beyond the immediate? The interplay between the local and the global ran as a common thread throughout the conversation – how Danish craftsmanship and design is both rooted in a strong local tradition and has always been in dialogue with, and inspired by, the wider world.
These are exactly the kinds of conversations we believe in. Thank you to everyone who joined us – we look forward to next time.
Have questions or an inquiry about this product? Our team can help with finding local resellers, surface treatment options, customization, and more. You can also reach us directly at mail@maltegormsen.dk. We do our best to respond promptly.