Jacob Kjær

Jacob Kjær was a Danish furniture designer and one of the most remarkable cabinetmakers of his time. Kjær received training as a cabinetmaker in his father’s workshop as well as in Berlin and Paris, after which he exhibited works at the Barcelona World Exhibition in 1929. Characterized by simplicity, his designs drew on the finest materials which, unusually for his time, he crafted himself. Inspired by classical English style, his clean and graceful designs are modern in interpretation.

Above all, Kjær valued fine materials and craftsmanship and believed in high standards. He was the chairman of the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild from 1952 until his death in 1957 and was also the President of the Arts and Crafts Committee for Exports from 1944 to 1957. One of his most notable works is the FN Chair designed for use at the United Nations Building in New York City.