The famous Nova pendant by Danish designer Jo Hammerborg for the Danish lighting company Fog & Mørup is one of the most recognisable Danish lighting designs.

These lamps are made of solid brass with a beautiful yellow hue on the inside of the shades. These modernist pendants have three, graduated tiers. When lit up, the warm hue of the inner layers of brass is accentuated, highlighting the geometrical shape of the Nova. Another advantage of the solid brass material is its high quality, which makes these lamps timeless also in quality. The modern, symmetrical design became iconic among mid-century lighting designs.

The Nova is a signature Hammerborg model. It won first prize at the Buenos Aires Centro Investigacion de Diseno Industrial awards in 1965 and the 1965 CICi first prize. The Nova was also featured as the highlight of Jo Hammerborg’s work in the catalogues of Fog & Mørup.

SOLD

Condition:

The item is in good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The brass has some minor marks, small scratches and small weather marks. The paint on the inside has a beautiful yellow hue.

Dimensions:

18.9 in Ø x 13 in H

48 cm Ø x 33 cm H

About the designer:

Danish lighting designer Johannes (Jo) Hammerborg was born in Randers, Denmark in 1920. Between 1942 and 1944, he trained as a silversmith in Silkeborg and Randers, then went on to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

In 1957, Hammerborg became head of design at the Danish lighting company Fog & Mørup. His strong modern design sensibility and strict production requirements made the collaboration between the designer and the manufacturer very successful, both commercially and artistically. During his time at Fog & Morup, Hammerborg designed over 60 lamps, several of which have received international awards. He was a pronounced idea person and entrepreneur, who was a key driving force for the company until his departure in 1980.

In his private life Jo Hammerborg was an active and very versatile athlete who, along with his professional career, was also a pioneer in parachuting and flying. In a tragic manner, it was his great passion for skydiving that cost him his life when, at the age of only 62, he died in an accident. Thanks to his innovative contributions to Danish lamp design, Jo Hammerborg’s coveted lamps remain in high demand in the 21st century. ~H.