Kay Bojesen (1886–1958) is one of the most important pioneers of modern Danish design. He trained as a silversmith under Georg Jensen and, during his time at Jensen, designed a wide range of silver objects, cutlery and serving pieces – including the celebrated Grand Prix flatware set.
Alongside silver, Bojesen worked with other materials too, and wood held a particular fascination for him. A perfect example is his series of wooden animals, designed in the 1950s, which have since become much-loved classics.
Kay Bojesen – the playful pioneer of Danish design
Kay Bojesen (1886–1958) was a Danish silversmith and designer who earned international acclaim for his hand-carved wooden animal figures. He began his career as a silversmith, training under the likes of Georg Jensen, before opening his own shop in Copenhagen.
The beloved wooden animals
From the 1930s onwards, wood became Bojesen's material of choice – and the one most closely tied to his legacy. He is perhaps best known for his endearing wooden monkeys and other animal figures, cherished by children and adults alike. His wooden monkey, designed in 1951, even found its way into the permanent collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Awards and legacy
While Bojesen is best remembered for his wooden figures, his work extended to a wide range of everyday objects in silver and steel. He was also a committed champion of Danish craft traditions, and his designs reflect the broader shift in early 20th-century Danish design towards a modern Scandinavian aesthetic.
Over the course of his career, Bojesen received numerous prestigious design awards, including the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale. He also held the title of Royal Silversmith to the King of Denmark.
Who: Kay Bojesen
- Danish silversmith and designer (1886–1958).
- Trained as a silversmith and worked at Georg Jensen's workshop.
- Philosophy: playfulness and craftsmanship combined with functional design.
- Grand Prix award at the Milan Triennale.
- Notable works: Wooden monkey (1951) and other wooden animal figures, silver cutlery.
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