ARNE JACOBSEN, 1967
Object
The Arne Jacobsen coffee maker is part of the Cylinda line, designed by the Danish master for Stelton in 1967. The entire Cylinda series was a huge public success, spreading into living rooms and kitchens across Denmark and the Scandinavian regions. Thanks to the elegant shapes, durable materials, and great style of the Arne Jacobsen coffee maker and the entire set, the Cylinda series remains one of Stelton’s long-sellers, still offering the original 1967 design.
The design philosophy of the Cylinda line was deeply rooted in functionalism, emphasizing a harmonious balance between form and function. Its cylindrical silhouette, complemented by Bakelite handles and matte stainless steel, stood out from the prevailing glossy and curved designs, establishing a new paradigm in the aesthetics of household items, which Jacobsen stated was inspired by the aesthetic and functional principles of the Bauhaus.
The Project
The story begins in the spring of 1964 when Peter Holmblad, the stepson of Arne Jacobsen’s wife and then owner of Stelton, envisioned a complete series of barware and coffee and tea service items designed by Jacobsen.
During a family dinner, Holmblad persuaded Jacobsen to sketch the design for what would become the Cylinda line teapot on a napkin. This seemingly simple drawing, however, concealed complex production challenges. The development of the Cylinda line required an entirely new manufacturing method, especially for its cylindrical shapes, which took three years of intense research and development to finalize. After inventing entirely new machines for producing the pure cylindrical forms in steel, Stelton launched the product line in 1967.
As mentioned, the line was an immediate success and is one of the longest-lasting series of the Danish company, helping Stelton earn its reputation as a leading producer of Scandinavian design.
THE CYLINDA COFFEE POT IN MUSEUMS
Arne Jacobsen’s coffee pot, along with the entire Cylinda series, are classics of functionalism and minimalist Scandinavian design. As objects that have fully entered design history, they are collected by many of the world’s top design museums. These include the MoMA in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the British Museum, to name a few.
Arne Jacobsen
Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971), a Danish architect and designer, was an icon of modernism. Known for the Ant Chair and the Series 7 Chair, Jacobsen combined functionality with minimalist aesthetics. His architectural works, including the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, have left a significant mark on the history of design.
Stelton
Founded in Denmark in 1960, Stelton is a renowned design company known for its objects in stainless steel. Famous for its collaboration with Arne Jacobsen in creating the Cylinda-line series, Stelton combines innovation and high-quality craftsmanship, embodying Scandinavian design.
Discover more
Details
Stelton
Arne Jacobsen’s Cylinda is available on Amazon.com
Stainless Steal
