Esben Klint
Architect, 1915 - 1969
Esben Klint was the son of Kaare Klint and, despite a broad education received at some of the leading architects of the time, he was very clearly his father's disciple.
The lineage is especially expressed clearly in the designs he produced for church inventory and furniture he designed with Børge Mogensen. He has also designed a number of lamps for Le Klint. Many of these are still part of the Le Klint product range.
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''Esben was a very empathetic and sociable person. He was always ready to lend a hand when needed. Even though it will be 50 years since he died in February, he is still missed''
These are the words of Marion Hartung Nielsen. She was the wife of the late designer and architect, Esben Klint (1915-1969).
Esben Klint's background
Esben had strong roots. His grandfather was Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint (1853-1930), who was an engineer and architect. P.V. folded the first LE KLINT lampshade, and that was before light become electric. Esben's father was the famous architect and professor, Kaare Klint (1888-1954), who in addition to having drawn up well-known designs for Le Klint, was also of great importance to the history of Danish furniture and design.
The ideas hidden within his pen
Esben was, like his father, particularly driven by his enthusiasm and meticulousness. His wallet was full of small drawings. Once he had transformed an idea into a design, he could work round the clock and would disappear into a world of his own. He was reluctant to leave his drawing board once an idea had arisen.
Collaboration with Børge Mogensen
Although he was employed with the royal building inspector Nils Koppel, Esben worked hard on his own architect business. During the 1960's he worked on school furniture, among other things, in a collaboration with his good friend Børge Mogensen for "Munch Møbler" in Slagelse. He also completed Christian X's church in Sønderborg.
3 generations with the same passion
One of Esben's greatest drawing tasks was the great organ facade for Grundtvig's Church. It was his grandfather, P.V. Jensen-Klint, who was the main architect behind the impressive structure, while Esben's father, Kaare Klint, finished the construction of the church. The circle was complete when the grandchild of the originator of the church drew up the ornamentation for the church, including the aforementioned organ facade as well as chandeliers and choir stand.
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"I believe he also saw the organ and the lighting in Grundtvig's Church as being some of his most significant works – perhaps because it completed the project his grandfather P.V. Jensen-Klint started, his father Kaare Klint continued and that he, as the 3rd generation, finished,".
Grundtvig's Church in Copenhagen, with its striking monumental architecture, was designed and created by P.V. Jensen-Klint, then his son Kaare Klint finalished the construction. Kaare's son, Esben made the final touches and the undertakings.
Esben the family man
In addition to being a designer, Esben Klint was very talented in the kitchen. He would magic up various dishes with great enthusiasm when it was time for dinner at home. Esben loved spending time with his family. He and Marion had two children, Tomas and Kristine Klint. He furthermore had the son Kasper Klint from a previous marriage.
The inspiration behind the ideas
One of Esben's greatest sources of inspiration for his projects was the journeys the family undertook. He preferred visiting the west coast of Jutland, and he had a particular fondness for South Jutland, which he introduced his wife to with great zeal.
As a tribute to the important work Esben Klint did for Le Klint, one of his designs has been reinterpreted into a modern table lamp called the Model 375.
Model 107 has all the components of Le Klint DNA – originality, longevity, handcrafted design and recycling sustainability. This pendant superseded its competitors in its day. The architect and designer Kaare Klint just had to incorporate it into the company’s logo.
Model 375 – the new table lamp
Model 375 was launched the 1st of November in two sizes; small and medium. The lamp can be chosen with either paper or standard shade. Place this lamp wherever you deem fit to invoke an ambient atmosphere and capture that infamous cozy warmth of ‘Danish Hygge’.
About Esben Klint
- Born 1915 in Java, Indonesia.
- Grew up on Zealand.
- Educated at the technical school in Copenhagen, the Academy of Fine Arts and by several of the leading architects of the time.
