About
Lifespan: 1893–1974
Birthplace: Offenbach am Main, Germany
Manufacturers: Gebr. Kaiser & Co., Fritz Hansen
Story
Christian Dell (1893–1974) was a German silversmith and designer best known for his work at the Bauhaus metal workshop and for the KAISER idell lighting series. His training in silversmithing gave him a precise understanding of metalworking that he later applied to modern industrial products.
From 1907 to 1911 Dell trained in silver forging in Hanau, and in 1912–1913 he studied at the arts and crafts school in Weimar. Between 1922 and 1925 he served as Werkmeister of the metal workshop at the Bauhaus in Weimar, before taking charge of the metal workshop at the Frankfurt art school in 1926.
From around 1926 he increasingly concentrated on lighting and designed numerous lamps for Gebr. Kaiser & Co. The first idell catalogue, published in 1936, included the table lamp 6631 Luxus, which became the best-known model in the KAISER idell series. Rounded shades, articulated joints and carefully engineered metal components express Dell’s combination of functionalism and craft precision.
Dell was dismissed from the Frankfurt art school in 1933 under the National Socialist regime. After the Second World War he returned to silverwork and opened a jewellery shop in Wiesbaden in 1948, operating it until 1955. Today KAISER idell is produced by Fritz Hansen.
History & Works
1893 (age 0)
Born on 24 February in Offenbach am Main, Germany.
1907–1911
Trained in silver forging in Hanau while also receiving drawing instruction.
1912–1913
Studied at the arts and crafts school in Weimar.
1922–1925
Served as Werkmeister of the metal workshop at the Bauhaus in Weimar.
1926
Took charge of the metal workshop at the Frankfurt art school and increasingly focused on lighting design.
1929–1930
Experimented with industrial materials including Bakelite and aminoplastics.
1933
Dismissed from the Frankfurt art school under the National Socialist regime.
1936
The first idell catalogue included the KAISER idell 6631 Luxus table lamp.
1948
Opened a jewellery shop in Wiesbaden and returned to silverwork.
1955
Closed the jewellery shop.
1974 (age 81)
Died in Wiesbaden on 18 July.
Furniture
KAISER idell 6631 Luxus
KAISER idell series
Rondella-Polo Lamp
Silverware and jewellery works
References
Fritz Hansen — Christian Dell
Christian Dell — biographical archive