Kaj Franck
Kaj Gabriel Franck was born November 9, 1911 in Vyborg, Finland. Franck graduated from the Finnish School of Art and Design as a furniture designer in 1932.
He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by working for Arabia, now part of Iittala Group, from 1946, becoming artistic director in 1948. From 1950 to 1973 he had that position at the Nuutajärvi glass factory, but he also continued to make designs for Arabia, Iittala and other companies.
Due to his influence, these factories moved in the 1960s to the simple and sleek shapes that have since been seen as characteristic of Finnish design.
Kaj Franck is one of the most internationally known Finnish ceramic and glass designers and also the first advocate of recycling. He has been called “the conscience of Finnish design”. He cut off everything unnecessary and extra.
In his career, Franck won many design competitions and recognitions, including the Milan Triennial in 1951 and 1954, the Milan Triennial Grand Prix in 1957, the Compasso d’Oro prize, the Prince Eugen Medal, and the Lunning Prize. He received the title of Pro Finlandian in 1957, the title of Professor in 1972 and the Honorary Doctor of the Royal College of Art in London in 1983.
Kaj Franck died of an illness while on holiday on the Island of Santoríni, Greece, September 26, 1989.
Kaj Franck Fog & Mørup Pendant Lamp
Materials: Round red & white enamelled metal parasol style lampshade. White on the inside. White Bakelite E27 socket.
Cord: 90 cm / 35.43”
Height: 23 cm / 9.05”
Width: ∅ 16 cm / 6.29”
Electricity: 1 bulb E27, 1 x 75 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb with an E27 screw base can be used.
Period: 1960s – Mid-Century Modern.
Designer: Kaj Franck.
Manufacturer: Fog & Mørup A/S, Denmark.
Other versions: This Kaj Franck Fog & Mørup pendant lamp exists in several variations and colours. Kaj Franck designed several pendant lamps in this style for Fog & Mørup.
Fog & Mørup
Ansgar Fog (1880-1930) and Erik Mørup (1879-1972) started their business together in 1904 as a metalwork wholesaler. Two years later they moved to the capital Copenhagen and began to focus on lighting production and over the years taking over several electrical and lighting companies. It was only in the early 1960s that Fog & Mørup really emerged as a key force in lighting design, following the company’s appointment in 1957 of Jo Hammerborg as head of design.
Important designers and architects that worked for the company are: Claus Bonderup, Torsten Thorup, Sidse Werner. Sophus Frandsen, Jørgen Bo, E. Balslev, Peter Avondoglio,. Karen Clemmensen, Ebbe Clemmensen, Hans Due and of course Jo Hammerborg himself.
Lyfa
In the late 1970s Fog & Mørup merged with Lyfa, another leading Danish lighting producer. In 1980 Jo Hammerborg retired. A few years later Lyfa-Fog & Mørup was taken over by Lyskær. The name changed to Lyskaer-Lyfa.
Lyskaer-Lyfa produced lights until 1991, when it was incorporated into Horn Belysning A/S from Aalstrup, also in Denmark, which was itself taken over in 2005 by Nordlux from Ålborg and at a large extent dismantled.
Horn Belysning
The Horn Belysning A/S company was founded in 1952 as a family business and was first named E.S. Horn. In 1963 it changed into Horn Belysning – Horn Lighting.
The company produced lights for IKEA and several other European retail chains. They designed lights but also imported lights from China. In the 1980s Horn was the second biggest light company in Denmark.
In 2005 the name changed into Lightyears, today owned by Republic of Fritz Hansen.
Vintageinfo Links
Many thanks to Craig from From our house to Bauhaus for the beautiful pictures and enthusiasm. You can find his shop on Ebay over here.
