HANS-AGNE JAKOBSSON

Hans-Agne Jakobsson (1919-2009) was a renowned Swedish interior decorator and furniture designer, celebrated for his innovative approach to lighting. Born in Hvadhem, Gotland, Jakobsson's journey into design began with a carpentry apprenticeship, followed by studies in architecture in Gothenburg. His career took off at General Motors as an industrial designer, and he later worked with prominent furniture designers Carl Malmsten and Werner West.

In 1951, Jakobsson founded his own company, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, in Markaryd. There, he created not only lighting designs but also candlesticks and furniture, earning a reputation for his imaginative and adventurous light fittings. His work was heavily influenced by modern Scandinavian designers such as Alvar Aalto and inspired by Paul Henningsen's 'non-dazzle' lighting.

Jakobsson's lighting designs garnered significant attention, overshadowing his furniture creations. He mastered both the direction and color of light, experimenting with a wide range of materials including brass, iron, glass, and wood shavings. This experimentation led to his becoming one of the most influential designers of the golden age of Scandinavian design. His designs were known for their hidden bulbs and streamlined ornamentation, which created diffused, muted lighting.

Inspired by the natural beauty of southern Sweden, with its glittering lakes and vast dark woods, Jakobsson devised creative ways to work with light and illumination. He cleverly designed fixtures to eliminate glaring bulbs and irritating decorations, uniting practicality with a sense of well-being.

Jakobsson's innovative use of materials, particularly his iconic designs based on wood shavings produced by Ellysett AB, set him apart in the world of lighting design. Like his famous colleague Poul Henningsen, Jakobsson is remembered for his attenuated, soft lighting, which continues to influence and inspire designers today.