Fritz Hansen1847–1902
Fritz Hansen was a Danish carpenter, entrepreneur and furniture manufacturer whose legacy became one of the most influential names in Scandinavian design. Born on Funen, Hansen trained as a cabinetmaker before moving to Copenhagen, where he founded his own furniture workshop in 1872. His early production focused on high-quality, handcrafted pieces that reflected the precision and material integrity of Danish craft traditions.
Under Fritz Hansen’s leadership, the company quickly earned a reputation for exceptional workmanship and technical innovation. By the late nineteenth century, the workshop had expanded into a full manufacturing enterprise, gaining important public commissions and establishing itself as a trusted producer of well-crafted furniture for both private and institutional clients.
Although Fritz Hansen himself was not a designer, his vision created the foundation for a company that would eventually collaborate with some of the most influential figures in twentieth-century design. After his death, the firm continued under the direction of his son, Christian Hansen, who introduced steam-bending techniques and developed the company’s early modernist identity. These advancements prepared the ground for the celebrated partnerships that followed.
In the mid-twentieth century the Fritz Hansen company became synonymous with Danish Modern through its collaborations with Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm, Verner Panton, and other leading designers. Many of these pieces, including the Series 7 Chair, the Egg Chair and the Swan Chair, are now icons of international design history.
Today, the name Fritz Hansen stands as a symbol of Danish craftsmanship, innovation and timeless design. The company’s enduring global presence reflects the entrepreneurial foundation laid by its founder and his commitment to quality above all.
