This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.
Lise and Hans Isbrand are Danish furniture designers who produce functional, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing solutions. They collaborate with manufacturers of office furniture, schoolroom furniture, and other furniture types to create both individual products and complete interior design projects.
Lise and Hans Isbrand have appeared at the SE shows multiple times with intriguing, experimental prototypes. Their work, on the other hand, tends to focus more on everyday life. As a result, they are responsible for a range of workplace furniture, innovative culinary utensils, and other items.
Biography
They opened an office in Albertslund in 1965. Architects M. Hammer, H. Moldenhawer, Herman Olsen, Ole Hagen, and Arne Jacobsen hired them as consultants. They designed various items, including furniture, radio and television sets, shop display units, and the P. Jeppesen, Copenhagen, 1966 PJ 35 chair in laminated wicker cane and chromium.
Recognition
Their work was displayed at the ‘Formes Danoises’ exhibition in Monaco in 1966, the ‘Danish Arts and Crafts and Industrial Design’ exhibition in Copenhagen in 1967, and the ‘Two Centuries of Danish Design’ exhibition in London in 1968. The PJ35 chair was on display at the Whitechapel Gallery in London in 1970 as part of the ‘Modern Chairs 1918-1970’ exhibition.
Hans and Lise Isbrand: Products, Collections, and References
Hans and Lise Isbrand are Danish furniture designers recognised for their sculptural, ergonomic furniture and experimental use of moulded wood. Their work spans prototypes, limited production, and serially manufactured designs and is documented through professional design platforms, archives, and the secondary design market.
Official Studio and Professional Profiles
- Isbrand Design (official studio website)
http://www.isbrand-design.dk/ - Architonic – Hans Isbrand profile
https://www.architonic.com/en/c/hans-isbrand/8104042
Archive and Reference Platforms
- Artnet – Lisa and Hans Isbrand artist profile
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/ - MutualArt – Hans Isbrand
https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Hans-Isbrand/AD3F2605160561DE
These platforms document works, prototypes, and auction records attributed to Hans and Lise Isbrand.
Documented Works and Prototypes (Selected)
The following links record individual furniture designs and prototypes attributed to Hans and Lise Isbrand:
- Loop (prototype)
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/loop-kRwT2svzwJKxf3l-OMuuIQ2 - Circle
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/circle-FXlgC2xTP2fb0Z3mihH_Xw2 - Prototype
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/prototype-5e0DA_c_h-vb9OXSbvv7Uw2 - C Chair (prototype and sculptural variants)
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/c-chair-5YZRGKgOjHjrxxtaTcbmxA2
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/c-chair-sculptural-moulded-black-coloured-ash-hvwMyg1zfN9DVlXfcLa1Wg2
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/c-chair-skulpturel-molded-orange-colored-ash-jbmTvFNMj0LzUEUyLQU6CA2 - Rib Chair (prototype)
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/rib-chair-prototype-PNoUPJn0MOUU6c7OECAaEQ2 - Fjeder Chair (prototype)
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/fjeder-chair-prototype-ixyBI26gOAwN7upvv0FSQg2 - Laminated wengé stool with loose cushion
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/a-laminated-weng%C3%A9-stool-loose-cushion-with-green-XiuOHcgyZcRZ3hwqT7hrLw2 - O-X (prototype)
https://www.artnet.com/artists/lisa-and-hans-isbrand/o-x-prototype-Xc9HZN2efyYPYYxkVBW0mw2
Manufactured Products and Commercial Designs
In addition to experimental prototypes, Hans and Lise Isbrand designed furniture for established manufacturers. These products demonstrate how their sculptural ideas were adapted for serial production.
- Skagerak – Lise Sunchair
https://www.architonic.com/en/p/skagerak-lise-sunchair-20013616/ - Holmris B8 – Cabale Desks
https://www.architonic.com/en/p/holmris-b8-cabale-desks-1528191/ - Holmris B8 – Cabale Café Table
https://www.architonic.com/en/p/holmris-b8-cabale-cafe-table-1528218/
Sources
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL
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