Kastholm & Fabricius furniture in 1966.

Jørgen Kastholm (1931-2007) &

Preben Juhl Fabricius (1931-1984).

50

51

Preben Juhl Fabricius (1931-1984) and Jørgen Kastholm

(1931-2007) were driven by a mutual mission to make

form a pure derivative of function. Both were architects,

graduating from the Danish School of Interior Design

where they studied under Finn Juhl and subsequently

with Arne Jacobsen. Although they partnered for less than

a decade, creating only a handful of designs, Kastholm

and Fabricius left a legacy of work honoured in museums

around the world — from the Museo de Art in São Paulo

to MoMa in New York and the Musee d’Art Moderne

in Paris. While Kastholm was trained as a blacksmith and

Fabricius as a cabinetmaker, this balance of perspectives

helped define a new kind of luxury, adding an elegant

facet to the prevailing functionalism of Danish Modern.

Sleek, elongated shapes, streamlined symmetry and a

modern mix of materials characterised pieces commis-

sioned for international airports, penthouse apartments,

high-profile lifestyle magazines and even early James

Bond films. The P376 pendant lamp is a perfect example

of Kastholm & Fabricius’ subtle architectural slant

on design. Originally conceived in 1963, five concentric

shades create gradations of curves towards the middle

of the lamp to emit a soft, diffused light. The discrete

placement of the shades and the silky aluminium finish

culminate in a cohesive expression that’s both iconic

and enthralling.

Kastholm & Fabricius