Hans-Agne Jakobsson

Hans-Agne Jakobsson (1919-2009) was a Swedish interior and furniture designer that is particularly well known for his beautiful soft glow lighting. Most active between the 50’s and 70’s, which were known as the golden years of Scandinavian design, he was influenced by an ‘organic modern’ approach that added warmth to otherwise typically starker modern interiors. Jakobsson’s diverse range of lighting illustrates not only his great use of materials, but also an in-depth understanding of how light functions.

Jakobsson had originally apprenticed as a carpenter, but later chose to pursue a degree in architecture. Following his graduation he was hired as an industrial designer by General Motors and went on to become an assistant to the famous Swedish designer Carl Malmsten as well as Finish designer Werner West. In 1951, Jakobsson founded his own furniture manufacturing company in Markaryd, Sweden known as Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB. Markaryd and the surrounding area have a long tradition of metal and glasswork, which is mirrored in the high level of craftmanship that is still obvious today. Although the company produced various types of furniture, it was his lighting known for their hidden bulbs and streamlined ornamentation that greatly impressed the international market.

His mastery of the direction and colour of light in addition to his versatility as both designer and manufacturer, earned him a highly successful career. His company produced over 2000 separate lamps over the span of 50 years, much of which was his own body of work. Today, he is acknowledged as one of the most prolific lighting designers of the mid-century period and his pieces can be found in not only private homes but also public institutions throughout Sweden.