Ejvind A. Johansson

_{Above: The ‘Eye’ dining chair designed by Ejvind A. Johansson and produced by Gern in 1960. Photo: nordsantik.com}

There are many great Danish designers. Names like Wegner, Volther, Juhl, Kofod-Larsen, and Kjærholm are recognizable to most fans of Modernism and their works have gone on to define Scandinavian Modern. However there is one designer whose extensive body of work is perhaps better known than he is. Ejvind A. Johansson’s designs – which many consider ahead of their time –  epitomized the simple but true form of Nordic Classicism but he is, perhaps, the most famous unknown designer of the period. That may sound a tad glib so apologies but let’s shine a light on the man and his work.

The classic J65 chairs first produced by FDB in the 1950’s. Still in production. Photo: noden.com

Publicity image from Frederica showing the current production model of the J64 chair first produced by FDB in the 1950’s. Photo: Frederica

Born in 1923 Ejvind Johansson trained in the traditional methods of cabinetmaking and joinery and after this training he studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (as most of his contemporaries did) graduating in 1949. In 1956 he became the head of design at Fredericia Stolefabrik (Frederica Chair Factory or FDB), occupying a position previously held by renowned Danish designer Borge Mogensen who took the company and brought it into the modern age with simple, clean, and almost spare designs that would go on to become icons of Danish Modernism. Ejvind Johansson designs, which embodied the idea of well-made, everyday furniture, suited perfectly this new design aesthetic and today Frederica still manufactures many of his designs.

Here are a few of Ejvind A. Johansson’s works – pure form and pure function.

Current production model of the J65 lounge chair first produced by FDB in the 1950’s. Photo: Frederica

Ejvind A. Johansson (1923 – 2002)

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