Introduction
Jo Hammerborg’s work as a designer and creative director at renowned Danish lighting companies Fog & Mørup and Lyfa during the mid-20th century had a profound impact on Scandinavian modernism and design. Hammerborg was a visionary who pushed the boundaries of lighting design by blending modernist form and functionality with unique materials and techniques to create some of the most iconic light fixtures of the era. Today, his contributions to the world of modernist lighting continue to inspire designers and enthusiasts around the world.
Early Life and Education
Jo Hammerborg was born in Denmark in 1920 and grew up in a family of craftsmen, graphic designers, and architects. From an early age, he displayed an aptitude for design and took his first steps in the design industry in 1940 when he began working at Københavns Lampe- og Lygtefabrik, a lighting company in Copenhagen. Hammerborg also studied engineering and industrial design at the Danish Technical College, where he honed his skills as a designer and developed an appreciation for Scandinavian functionalism and minimalism.
Design Career at Fog & Mørup and Lyfa
In 1957, Hammerborg joined Fog & Mørup, a prominent Danish lighting company, as their creative director. At Fog & Mørup, Hammerborg developed a signature style of modernist lighting, characterized by bold geometric shapes, elongated shades, and innovative use of materials such as metal, glass, and acrylic. His designs drew inspiration from nature, technology, and contemporary art movements such as Op Art and Minimalism.
Hammerborg’s most well-known designs for Fog & Mørup include the iconic Saturn and Triplex pendants. The Saturn pendant, which resembles a planetary system with rings, features an opaline glass shade that diffuses light upwards and downwards, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Triplex pendant, on the other hand, has three layers of shades made of frosted glass and acrylic, which produce a soft and diffused light ideal for dining areas and living rooms.
In 1961, Hammerborg left Fog & Mørup to join Lyfa, another Danish lighting company, as their creative director. At Lyfa, he continued to experiment with new materials and techniques, developing new designs such as the Concordia and Orient pendants. The Concordia pendant features a combination of brass, copper, and perforated metal shades, which creates a mesmerizing visual effect when lit up. The Orient pendant, on the other hand, has a distinctive conical shape and a polished copper finish, giving it a unique and elegant appearance.
Legacy and Influence
Jo Hammerborg’s contributions to modernist lighting design have had a lasting impact on the design world. His innovative use of materials and his creative approaches to lighting form and function have been emulated by designers around the world. Many of his designs remain popular today and are still being produced by companies such as Lightyears, a Danish lighting company known for its modernist designs.
Hammerborg’s legacy is also reflected in the numerous awards and accolades he received during his career, including the prestigious Lunning Prize in 1957 and 1966. The Lunning Prize was considered one of the highest honors in the realm of Scandinavian design, and Hammerborg was the only lighting designer to have been conferred with this award twice.
