Frederik Lunning, a Danish-born businessman and owner of the Georg Jensen Inc. store on Fifth Avenue in New York, created the Lunning Prize award in December 1951. This successful showcase for Danish porcelain and glass was developed in 1924, but supplies were cut off when World War II broke out. After the war, Lunning dispatched Kaj Dessau, the store’s founder, to Scandinavia to source new merchandise. Dessau proposed developing an award scheme for young Scandinavian designers after being highly inspired by the quality of work he saw. As a result, Lunning created a biennial award of $5,000 for designers under the age of 36 whose careers would benefit from studying abroad.
Significance in Design Evolution
During its two-decade tenure, the Lunning Prize played a pivotal role in shaping and promoting Scandinavian design on the global stage. Recognizing and supporting emerging designers helped establish the distinctive characteristics of Scandinavian design—simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. The prize not only elevated individual careers but also enhanced the international reputation of Nordic design. (Danish Design Review)
Notable Recipients
The jury included members from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland’s leading design organisations and Lunning’s nominees. The Prize would be presented at an exhibition in Lunning’s New York store for each award winner. The scheme was also started for a secondary reason: to promote Scandinavian design and expand the market for its products. Hans Wegner and Tapio Wirkkala were the first prizewinners, with Jens Quistgaard, Timo Sarpaneva, and Nanna Ditzel closely behind. The significance of the Prize’s recipients over the past two decades attests to its current and historical value.
Visual References
The designs emerging from Lunning Prize recipients often featured:
- Clean Lines: Emphasizing simplicity and functionality.
- Natural Materials: Utilizing wood, leather, and natural fibres to create warmth and texture.
- Neutral Color Palettes: Employing muted tones to enhance the minimalist aesthetic.
- Organic Forms: Drawing inspiration from nature, creating fluid and harmonious shapes.
These elements contributed to the timeless appeal and enduring popularity of Scandinavian design.
Sources
Woodham, J. M. (2006). A dictionary of modern design. Oxford University Press.
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