Dan Svarth (b.1942) – Danish Furniture Designer

Dan Svarth (b. 1942) is a Danish designer.  Dan Svarth has designed furniture and researched and written about historical furniture. He is also a skilled model builder and participates in a wide range of exhibitions.

Education

He studied at the Kunsthåndvrærkerskolen, Copenhagen, from 1967 to 1969 and furniture design at Det Kongelige Danske Kunstakademi. 

Biography

In 1962, he was a cabinetmaker’s apprentice. 

In 1969, he worked with Herman Olsen. 

In 1971, he set up his design studio. From 1973, he taught furniture design at the Skoien for Brugskunst (formerly Det Tekniske Selskabs Skoler) and in 1974 in the furniture school of Det Kongelige Danske Kunstakademi. Jörgen V. Hansen produced his furniture designs. In 1972, Dan started as an employee with Poul Kjærholm’s design studio and worked there until Kjærholm died in 1980.

Contributions to Furniture Design

Svarth’s designs are celebrated for their minimalist aesthetics and structural innovation. Notable pieces include:

• Wire Chair (1972): Initially prototyped in 1972, this chair features a hand-polished stainless steel frame and a carbon fibre wire seat and back, offering strength and comfort. A Petersen
• Rocking Chair: This unique design achieves a rocking motion without traditional rockers, showcasing Svarth’s inventive approach to form and function. Core77
• Tube Chair: Characterized by a seat that appears to float above its frame, supported by hand-milled stainless steel cones, this chair exemplifies a harmonious blend of geometric aesthetics. Aram

Egyptian furnishings

Dan Svarth spent years researching, drawing, and modelling Egyptian furnishings at a 1:5 scale. He concluded that the ancient Egyptians used steam-bending technology to shape and form wood for their chariots and furniture. This is the first record of steam-bending technology used in furniture fabrication.

Recognition

He received the 1966 Johannes Krøiers Award, the 1966 L.F. Foghts Award (of the Kunsthåndvrerkerskolen), and the 1970 and 1973 Danish State Art awards. 

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.

Postell, J. C. (2007). Furniture design. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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