Just Andersen

Just Andersen was a Danish designer and sculptor who played a significant role in the development of Danish design in the 20th century. He was born Anders Johan Andersen on June 15, 1884, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Andersen's father was a shoemaker, and his mother was a housewife. He grew up in a working-class family and was trained as a silversmith at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

In 1912, Andersen established his own workshop, Just Andersen A/S, which produced decorative art objects and jewelry. Andersen's style was heavily influenced by the Art Deco movement, which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. He was particularly interested in experimenting with new materials, such as bronze and brass, and he developed a unique patina that was used on many of his designs.

Andersen's work was exhibited at the Paris Exhibition in 1925, where he was awarded a gold medal for his bronze sculptures. He continued to exhibit his work at international exhibitions throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and his designs were well received by both critics and the public.

During World War II, Andersen's workshop was occupied by the German army, and he was forced to flee to Sweden. After the war, he returned to Denmark and continued to produce designs until his death in 1943.

Today, Just Andersen's designs are highly sought after by collectors and are included in the collections of many museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His designs are known for their simple, elegant forms and the use of high-quality materials. Andersen's legacy continues to inspire contemporary Danish designers, and his influence can be seen in many of the designs produced in Denmark today.