Johannes (Jo) Hammerborg was a passionate innovator and lighting designer credited with the success of the Danish lighting company Fog & Mørup. His sleek ceiling lights, floor lamps and table lamps are characterized by the simple lines and clean aesthetic of Scandinavian modern design.
Hammerborg was born in Randers, Denmark, in 1920. As a young man, he trained as a silversmith before attending the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. In 1949, Hammerborg began working as a silversmith at leading Danish silverware brand Georg Jensen. He worked at Georg Jensen until 1957, when he became the chief designer at Fog & Mørup.
Hammerborg brought both his modernist designs and his good business sense to Fog & Mørup. He helped the company create a strong brand and implemented a stringent manufacturing process to ensure high quality. During his time with Fog & Mørup, Hammerborg designed over 60 lighting fixtures and collaborated with other designers such as Torsten Thorup and Claus Bonderup, Erik Balslev, Sophus Frandsen and more. Vintage Hammerborg lighting is functional and accessible and was intended for easy coordination with modern interior decor.
Among Hammerborg's most famous works are his 1966 Trombone series. Trombone pendants, floor lamps and table lamps feature cylindrical shades in various metallic finishes and are fantastically versatile. The Milieu pendant from 1975 is another notable Hammerborg design. Its hemispherical shape gives the shade a light and airy quality, and Hammerborg's love of parachuting inspired its distinctive appearance.
Hammerborg left Fog & Mørup in 1980. The company subsequently underwent a series of mergers that eventually led to its closure.
Hammerborg’s brilliant lighting creations remain in high demand today. The Hammerborg family has collaborated with Danish furniture brand Warm Nordic — which has reissued iconic mid-century works such as Hans Olsen’s inviting Fried Egg armchair — in order to relaunch the Trombone and Milieu series.
On 1stDibs, find an extensive collection of vintage Jo Hammerborg lighting.
Set of 2 Unique Patinated Kastor Sconces by Jo Hammerborg for Fog and Morup
By Kay Korbing, Jo Hammerborg, Erik Balslev, Lyfa, Fog and Morup
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful and uniquely patinated Kastor wall lamps from the 1960s. Impressively beautiful and contemporary design. A spectacular play of light is created. Manufacturer: Fog and...
Metal
Set of 2 Brass Wall or Table Lamps
By ASEA, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in München, DE
Charming brass table lamps from the 1950s. Particularly beautiful design and an enrichment for every home. Can also be used flexibly as wall lamps, for example in the bedroom. A wond...
Metal
Set of 2 Copper Pendant Lamps
By Lyfa, Jo Hammerborg, Carl Thore, Doria Leuchten Germany, Fog and Morup
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful Danish pendant lamps from the 1960s. Contemporary design and a highlight for any room. Creates a cozy light. The price is for 2 lamps. Condition: Very good vintage ...
Metal
Set of 2 Wall Lamps by Limburg
By Helena Tynell, Gaetano Sciolari, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Doria Leuchten Germany, Glashütte Limburg
Located in München, DE
Exceptional wall lamps in an iron ring design from the 1960s. Fantastic design and high-quality workmanship. The lamps impress with their spectacular play of light. Manufacturer: Gl...
Metal
Set of 2 Metal Pendant Lamps by Bent Karlby for Lyfa
By Lyfa, RAAK, Bent Karlby, Jo Hammerborg, Fog and Morup
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful and rare Danish pendant lamps from the 1960s. The design and the appearance of the lamp is particularly beautiful. The shape creates a wonderful light. Exceptionally h...
Metal
Set of 2 Brass Wall Lamps by Rupert Nikoll
By Bakalowits & Söhne, Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll, Ernest Palme, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful wall lamps from the 1950s. Very elegant and classic shape. Wonderful design and excellent craftsmanship. Very rare. Creates a cozy light. Manufacturer: Rupert Nikoll ...
Metal
Jo Hammerborg Scandinavian Midcentury Copper "Kastor" Wall Lights, Denmark 1960
By Fog & Mørup, Jo Hammerborg
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian midcentury modern design couple of copple sconces wall lights designed by Jo Hammerborg and produced by Fog & Morup, ignition via original string and manufacturer’s stic...
Copper
Pair of ‘Kastor’ Copper Wall Lamps by Jo Hammerborg, Denmark 1960s
By Jo Hammerborg, Fog & Mørup
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
This set of Kastor wall lamps, designed by Jo Hammerborg in the 1960s, is an iconic piece of mid-century modern lighting. Characterized by their sleek lines and minimalist aesthetic,...
Copper
A pair of 'Diamant' Sconces by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wall sconce, designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in Denmark in the 1960s, captures the essence of mid-century Scandinavian modernism with its bold, sculptural design. Crafted f...
Brass
Jo Hammerborg Wall Lamps Model Kastor by Fog & Mørup in Denmark
By Jo Hammerborg
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall lamps model Kastor designed by Jo Hammerborg. Produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark.
Brass
Pair of Danish Design Midcentury Wall Sconces by Kay Kørbing, 1960s
By Lyfa, Kay Korbing
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of wall sconces in outstanding quality, designed by MAA. Kay Kørping for Lyfa Denmark. Great original condition.
Brass
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Polished Copper Outdoor Sconces
By Örsjö Industri AB, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' polished copper outdoor sconces. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed in p...
Copper
