Hans-Agne Jakobsson (1919-2009): Master of light and Scandinavian design
Hans-Agne Jakobsson is a Swedish designer and architect, born in 1919 in Havdhem, on the island of Gotland . Little known to the general public in comparison with figures such as Poul Henningsen or Alvar Aalto, he nevertheless remains one of the great names of Scandinavian design of the 20th century , particularly in the world of lighting.
After training in architecture and experience in carpentry, he joined the offices of Carl Malmsten and Werner West , two references in Swedish and Finnish design. This immersion in the world of furniture and interior design had a lasting influence on his approach to design.
The founder of Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB
In 1951 , he founded his own company, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB , in the town of Markaryd, Sweden. There he developed and produced lighting fixtures with clean lines, perfectly in line with the functionalist aesthetic of Scandinavian design. His creations, both elegant and innovative, play on transparency, organic forms and the effects of light and shadow.
His lamps, wall lights and pendants are distinguished by the use of noble materials such as wood, brass, frosted glass and lampshades made of wood veneer slats . His work on soft and subdued light, in contrast to the too brutal lighting of bare bulbs, marks a real evolution in the design of domestic lighting.
A recognizable visual signature
Jakobsson is known for his ability to create warm atmospheres through a subtle play of light diffusion . He designs lamps that soften the light and avoid glare, a concept that has become central to Scandinavian design. Among his most famous models are:
- Wood veneer lamps (pendant lamps and floor lamps), which diffuse a soft light while highlighting the veins of the material.
- Perforated brass wall lights , which project subtle light patterns onto the walls.
- Opaline glass floor lamps and pendant lights , playing on the soft diffusion of light.
- Candlesticks and decorative objects in metal , including the famous NR 135 , which illustrates his attachment to pure geometric shapes.
A lasting legacy
Although his company closed in the 1990s, Hans-Agne Jakobsson's work is now enjoying a revival among vintage design enthusiasts. His lighting and accessories are highly sought after in the vintage Scandinavian design market, both for their timeless aesthetic and their quality of manufacture.
By integrating light as an integral element of furniture and interior design, Jakobsson helped redefine the way we experience our spaces. His work, rooted in the philosophy of Nordic modernism, continues to influence contemporary designers and publishers.
Hans-Agne Jakobsson passed away in 2009 , leaving behind a luminous legacy at the crossroads of design, craftsmanship and innovation.
The NR 135 candle holder by Hans-Agne Jakobsson: an icon of Scandinavian design
Among the many creations of Hans-Agne Jakobsson , the NR 135 candle holder stands out for its minimalist aesthetic and refined design. Designed in the 1960s-1970s , this object perfectly embodies the philosophy of Scandinavian design: simplicity of forms, functionality and the search for harmony between material and light.
A geometric and refined design
The NR 135 adopts a resolutely modern silhouette, marked by clean lines and a perfect balance between structure and lightness .
Made of brass and glass , it reflects the designer's taste for noble and durable materials.
A sought-after item on the vintage design market
Today, the NR 135 candlestick has become a highly coveted piece among lovers of vintage Scandinavian design . Its relatively limited production and timeless elegance make it a sought-after item on the market for antiques and 20th-century designer furniture.
Well-preserved or polished brass models fetch high prices at auctions and specialist platforms. He is often compared to the creations of Paavo Tynell or Vilhelm Lauritzen , sharing with these designers a refined approach to light and everyday objects.
A legacy of Swedish modernism
With the NR 135 , Hans-Agne Jakobsson does not just create a simple candle holder: he elevates a utilitarian object to the rank of light sculpture . His visionary approach, where every detail is designed to enhance the light, continues to influence contemporary designers.
Whether for its aesthetic value, its rarity or its link with the history of Nordic design, the NR 135 remains an essential reference for 20th century Scandinavian furniture.
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