About
Year: 1930–2009
Place: Denmark
Manufacturers: Skovshoved Møbelfabrik, France & Søn
Story
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen was a Danish designer and educator whose career crossed cabinetmaking, furniture design and architectural education. He completed cabinetmaking training with Ludvig Pontoppidan in 1952 and subsequently studied furniture design at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts and architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.
Among his best-known works are the OGK Safari Chair and OGK Daybed of the 1960s. Using materials such as beech, linen and sisal rope, these designs make their structure visible rather than concealing it. The Safari Chair currently produced by Skovshoved Møbelfabrik can be assembled quickly without screws or tools, making portability part of the design itself.
From around 1962 Gjerløv-Knudsen collaborated with architect Torben Lind. Together they developed modular furniture commonly known as the Moduline or Modeline collection, associated with France & Søn, while working across both cabinetmaking and industrial production. Sources also document their 1972 Skopa Chair for IKEA.
Education formed another major part of Gjerløv-Knudsen’s career. He taught at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts from 1962 and is described as leading its design education from 1967 to 1990. Across his furniture, timber, textile, rope and joints are treated as visible components of the design rather than covered by decorative effects.
The continued production of the OGK designs demonstrates how their relevance extends beyond a 1960s visual style: disassembly, transport, assembly and repair were considered as practical parts of the furniture’s conception.
History & Works
1930（0歳）
Born on 20 June.
1952（22歳）
Completed cabinetmaking training with Ludvig Pontoppidan; later studied furniture design and architecture.
1960s（30s）
Designed the OGK Safari Chair and OGK Daybed, now produced by Skovshoved Møbelfabrik.
1962（32歳）
Began collaborating with Torben Lind and teaching at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts.
1960s（30s）
Developed the Moduline / Modeline collection with Lind, associated with France & Søn.
1967–1990
Led design education at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts.
1972（42歳）
Designed the Skopa Chair for IKEA with Torben Lind.
2009（79歳）
Died on 20 September.
Furniture
OGK Safari Chair
OGK Daybed
Moduline / Modeline Collection (with Torben Lind)
Skopa Chair (with Torben Lind, IKEA, 1972)
References
Möbeldesignmuseum — Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen
Finnish Design Shop — OGK Safari Chair / Skovshoved Møbelfabrik