Fredericia Reintroduces JG Coffee Table by Jørgen Gammelgaard

Fredericia, the renowned family-owned design brand, has reintroduced yet another remarkable piece by the distinguished designer and professor Jørgen Gammelgaard – the JG Coffee Table, hailed as the “missing link” in Danish design. Originally crafted in 1962 and officially presented in 1973, this elegant low table in glass represents a culmination of over a decade of precise refinement by Gammelgaard, showcasing his eminent sense of minimalist design. As the Danish Modern movement waned, the 1970s and 1980s ushered in an era of industrial aesthetics, characterized by simplified shapes and distinctive ideas tailored for mass appeal. Gammelgaard’s work during this period helped bridge the transition from Danish Modern to the renaissance of Scandinavian design, earning him a prominent place in design history.

Gammelgaard’s award-winning designs reflect a simple, refined approach to minimalism, standing as timeless classics that remain relevant in today’s design landscape. The JG Coffee Table, a new heritage design crafted in Denmark from brushed bent aluminum and tempered glass, exemplifies this philosophy. Initially launched in 1973 and available for only a few years, Fredericia has resurrected this iconic piece of furniture from the archives, infusing it with new life to add a touch of luxury to any space. Despite its entirely airy appearance, the absence of traditional four legs provides the JG Coffee Table with a solid, anchored presence in the interior. The transparent glass tabletop accentuates the base’s intriguing and logical construction, creating a dynamic exchange between light and solidity that captivates viewers from every angle.

Jørgen Gammelgaard’s career spanned generations, as he belonged to a group of highly skilled designers who perfected their craft in the time-honored Danish tradition of apprenticeships. Trained initially as a cabinetmaker under Copenhagen’s master carpenter AJ Iversen, Gammelgaard later studied furniture design under Poul Kjærholm at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. His tenure at Arne Jacobsen‘s studio in the late 1960s further influenced his minimalist design doctrine. In recognition of his contributions, Gammelgaard was awarded the Danish Furniture Prize in 1971, signifying his potential to shape the future of Danish design. As Professor of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1987 until his passing in 1991, Gammelgaard inspired countless students with his insights into Danish design tradition, leaving an indelible mark on the world of design.

As part of Fredericia’s ongoing commitment to preserving Denmark’s rich design heritage, the reintroduction of Gammelgaard’s most significant works higlights the brand’s dedication to honoring his legacy. Alongside the JG Coffee Table, the company has reintroduced other iconic pieces, including the JG Table, JG Sofa, and award-winning JG Folding Stool in 2022. Crafted in Denmark from brushed bent aluminum finished with a clear lacquer and tempered glass, the JG Coffee Table is set to launch on April 4th, offering discerning design enthusiasts an opportunity to own a piece of design history.