TWO JENS QUISGAART CANDEL HOLDERS IN FREAK HANSEN

Jens Quistgaard (1919-2008) was the son of sculptor Harald Quistgaard. The elder Quistgaard trained his son as a sculptor at an early age. At the same time, the young Jens learned to be a draftsman, joiner, smith and potter, all of which he mastered. His first museum showing was at age 15. He later apprenticed with silversmith Georg Jensen. He started his artistic career as a portrait painter, but he also created in metals and ceramics at that time.

During the 1940s, Quistgaard designed flatware, glassware, cookware and furniture. He also created graphic designs and did some architectural work. During World War II, he was part of the Danish Resistance.

In 1954 he started Dansk Designs Ltd. with American entrepreneur Ted Nierenberg and was the chief designer for the company for the next 30 years. During this period, he created flatware, cookware, pitchers, bowls, carving boards, ice buckets, candleholders, trays and tableware.

Though not as well-known as many designers of the time, Quistgaard's pieces could be found in millions of homes around the world from the 1950s through the 1980s, and he played an important role in introducing Danish Modern design to the public. During his career, he produced over 2000 designs.