Henning Koppel

Henning Koppel went to the Academy of Art in Copenhagen from 1936-1937 to become a sculptor. He continued his education at the Academie Ranson in Paris in 1938. During World War II Koppel fled to Sweden. Upon his return to Denmark in 1945 he started designing jewellery and hollowware for Georg Jensen. He was also employed as a designer at Bing & Grøndahl from 1961 and at Orrefors Glasbruk from 1971.

What so many have come to regard as “Danish design” can in large part be attributed to Henning Koppel. His innovative and modernist shapes, beautiful in every aspect, broke new ground for Georg Jensen. His designs temper strict functionalist rules with organic, lifelike shapes. As a mission, Koppel made everyday life products as beautiful as possible. Constructed with strict, clean lines, Koppel’s designs still managed to exude warmth. Renowned as an outstanding exponent of Scandinavian design, Koppel is roundly acknowledged as one of the greatest original minds in the art of modern silver. His precise, swung lines — internationally acclaimed — are among the century’s very best. Koppel’s eminent silver hollowware demands only the utmost in expertise from smithy craftsmen. Koppel had created an astonishing range of work, from stainless steel cutlery to magnificent one-off signature pieces like no others.
Koppel continued designing for Georg Jensen until his death in 1981.

Koppel’s awards are impressive; the Milan Triennial in 1951, 1954 and 1957, the International Design Award, and the Lunning Prize in 1953. Koppel’s work is represented in museums worldwide. His enduring popularity speaks for itself as people still choose to wear a Koppel watch or to serve coffee from one of his pots. His designs, with their integrity and wide appeal, are truly timeless.