By Katrine Hjorth-Hess

December 19, 2024

Nanna Ditzel left an indelible and significant mark on Danish design. With her visionary approach and keen sense of aesthetics, she created functional and timeless design icons that continue to inspire contemporary designers today.

Born in Copenhagen in 1923, Nanna Ditzel (1923-2005) grew up in an open-minded environment that nurtured her budding interest in design and art from an early age. At just 17, she decided to become a furniture architect – a choice her parents supported when they saw her serious commitment. After training as a carpenter, she graduated from the School of Arts and Crafts (Kunsthåndværkerskolen) and exhibited her first furniture designs at the annual Copenhagen Carpenters’ Guild Exhibition in 1946. Here she met her future husband and collaborator, Jørgen Ditzel (1921-1961), whom she married the same year. Together, they established a design studio that played a central role in ushering Danish design into a modern and functional era after World War II.

A Visionary Designer

Nanna Ditzel was part of the postwar generation of Danish designers who defined what is now known as Danish Modern. This era, spanning from the late 1920s to around 1970, is characterized by a combination of functionality and aesthetics.

Ditzel’s approach challenged conventions and embraced innovation at a time when many adhered to traditional practices. Her work combined intuitive creativity with technical knowledge, resulting in a unique synergy. In the 1950s, she experimented with unconventional materials such as wicker, foam, and fiberglass and was among the first to incorporate new technologies and materials into her designs.

Iconic Designs

In the 1950s, Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel achieved widespread recognition with a series of groundbreaking furniture pieces. Their 1959 Hanging Egg Chair became a symbol of their innovative approach. After Jørgen’s death in 1961, Nanna continued creating designs that garnered significant attention. Among her most famous works is the Trinidad Chair (1993), designed in collaboration with Fredericia Furniture. This chair combined advanced technology with sculptural aesthetics, featuring a slatted backrest that uniquely reflects light.

Photo: Nanna Ditzel Design

Family life also inspired many of the couple’s designs. With three young children, they developed practical and versatile children’s furniture that adapted to a child’s growth and needs. The Trisse Stool from 1962 is a prime example of Nanna’s ability to unite functionality with beauty.

Beyond Furniture: Textiles and Jewelry

While Nanna Ditzel is best known for her furniture, she also excelled in textiles, jewelry, and industrial design. Together with Jørgen Ditzel, she designed jewelry for Georg Jensen, characterized by soft curves and geometric forms. In the 1960s, she collaborated with Kvadrat (a global design textile company) on textiles inspired by the colorful and playful expressions of the era. Her textile designs, such as Hallingdal, remain highly sought after.

An International Career

After Jørgen’s death, Nanna continued her career independently and moved to London in 1968 after meeting her second husband, businessman Kurt Heide. Together, they founded the showroom Interspace, which became a creative hub where Nanna explored new design possibilities. She collaborated with both international and Danish producers, creating textiles inspired by the vibrant culture of 1970s Swinging London.

Photo: Fredericia Furniture

In 1987, Nanna returned to Denmark and reestablished her studio in Copenhagen. There, she continued to create groundbreaking designs, including the Trinidad Chair and Seashell Chair. Even in her seventies, her approach to design remained playful and experimental.

The Legacy of Nanna Ditzel

Throughout her career, Nanna Ditzel received numerous awards, including the prestigious Lunning Prize and the Danish ID Prize. Her designs are still highly sought after and displayed in museums worldwide. She left behind a legacy of combining extraordinary determination with the ability to unite form and function seamlessly.

As Nanna herself once said, “Life should be as delightful as possible.” This philosophy permeates her body of work and continues to inspire generations of designers.