Jens Risom

As featured in Bookforum, ELLE Decor, and Interior Design MagazineThe first and only monograph on the life and work of the iconic Danish-American mid-century furniture designer Jens Risom – an unsung hero of Mid-Century Modern designJens Risom, a key figure in mid-century modern design, was one of the first designers to introduce Scandinavian design to the United States and his highly collectible original work is currently selling for large sums at auction. In 1942, Risom’s designs formed the majority of the inaugural collection of original furniture for the iconic Hans Knoll Furniture Company and many of his key pieces are still in production today, by leading manufacturers including Knoll, Design Within Reach, De Padova, Camira, and Ralph Pucci. This, the first authoritative biography of Risom, spans his education in Denmark, early collaborations with Georg Jensen and Hans Knoll, the creation of his own company – Jen Risom Design – his celebrated prefab house on Block Island, RI, as well as his legacy and presence in the 21st century. With unique access to a plethora of never-before-seen sketches, photographs and ephemera, this book proves, as the immortal slogan in his iconic ad campaign shot by Richard Avedon tells us, ‘The answer is Risom’.

'Richly illustrated.' - Booklist 'Risom's implicitly ecological bent toward inventively reusing and adapting available materials has lessons for the future.' - Bookforum 'Filled with its treasures, from the designer's meticulously composed drawings and fashionable advertisements to personal diaries, photographs, and mementos.' Galerie 'It's perfect for the design buff in your life.' - ELLE Decor 'Thorough, generously illustrated, and long overdue.' - Interior Design Magazine 'Author Vicky Lowry finally gives [Risom] his proper due.' - Azure 'Even to the previously uninitiated, his woven seating options and way with wood are bound to ring familiar.' - AD Pro

Vicky Lowry is a writer, editor, and the former special projects director at Architectural Digest and features director of Elle Decor, Veranda, and House Beautiful. She contributes to publications including Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and Galerie.