245 Davenport Rd. 416 968 7894 INSTAGRAM

RISOM COFFEE & SIDE TABLES

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Jens Risom’s original 1941 collection for Knoll incorporates a natural aesthetic characteristic of understated Scandinavian design. A Knoll Studio classic, one of the first designs commissioned by Knoll. Clear maple tops are constructed of veneer with cathedral pattern and poplar cross bands and backing; core and edge feature solid maple hardwood lumber in clear finish. Ebonized tables feature stained walnut top. Core and edges are solid hardwood lumber.

Designed by Jens Risom

The first true Knoll designer, Jens Risom joined the young Hans Knoll Furniture Company in the early 1940s as the sole designer of interiors and furniture. Born in Denmark to the well-known architect Sven Risom, Jens worked in Stockholm for one year before graduating from the prestigious Kundstandvaerkerskolen in Copenhagen.

Risom left Denmark for the United States in 1938 and, for two years, served as Director of Interior Design at the studio of Dan Cooper, Inc. in New York before starting a freelance career specializing in furniture and textiles. It was during this time that he met Hans Knoll. The pair collaborated on an exhibition for the New York World’s Fair. Knoll asked Risom, who had been searching for a promoter and manufacturer, to help him design interiors for clients around New York.

With Hans handling client relations and Jens planning interiors and designing furniture when needed, the pair began to take on more design projects. In 1942 they printed the first Knoll Catalog, which included 15 pieces designed by Risom — the very first furniture to be commissioned specifically by Knoll. Working ingeniously within the constraints of wartime material shortages, Risom developed several chairs and tables using essentially scraps of wood and rejected nylon straps from parachute production. Despite these constraints, Risom was able to design innovative and truly modern pieces of furniture, a selection of which were reintroduced by Knoll in 1994.

Dimensions

Amoeba Shaped Coffee Table: 42″W x 32″D x 16”H
Square Side Table: 14″W x 14″D x 18″H
Round Side Table: 18″D x 20″H

Materials & Options

  • Legs and aprons are constructed of solid hardwood and feature mortise and tenon joints
  • Finishes: Clear maple top and base, ebonized walnut top with ebonized maple base or light walnut top and base

Contact Us

Contact Hollace Cluny for more information at 416 968 7894 or send us an inquiry.

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