Graduated from the Academy of Arts in 1947 and has since had a great influence on Danish design history.

Architect

Trained as an architect at the Academy of Arts, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Worked at the Danish State Building Research Institute.

Designed Boligens Byggeskabe (cabinets for the home) in co-operation with architect Børge Mogensen.

Selected awards

1973: Awarded the Nordic Craftsman and Design Prize.

1980: Awarded a lifetime grant from the Danish State Art Foundation.

1983: Awarded the Thorvald Bindesbøll Medal.

1991: Designed Copenhagen, steel cutlery, for Georg Jensen.

1996: Designed Copenhagen Line, steel cutlery, for Georg Jensen.

1997: Awarded the Danish Design Council's Year Prize.

2002: Awarded the C.F. Hansen medal.

Represented at

Museum of Decorative Arts, Copenhagen, Denmark.

The National Museum, Denmark.

Artist and architect in one

Grethe Meyer is not just an artist, but at least as much of an architect with a very special eye for how functionality can be combined in poetic expression. With these two areas of focus, her solutions are beautiful and eternal elements that form part of our everyday lives.

Grethe Meyer completed her training as an architect at the Academy of Arts in Copenhagen in 1947. She was influenced by the unique functionalism that existed in Denmark from the late 1930s to the late 1950s. She may, in fact, be the prime example of the shared enthusiasm for aesthetic simplicity and perfect craftsmanship that goes by the international style appellation of Danish Design.

Her personal trademark

One of Grethe Meyer's first projects was to design Boligens Byggeskabe (cabinets for the home) together with architect Børge Mogensen. A classic and a beautiful example of how systematic reasoning and extensive consideration for production can be combined with what has become Grethe Meyer's trademark: quality, respect for the user and personality.

Immortal ideals

That these ideals do not go out of fashion is demonstrated by, among other things, the way in which Boligens Byggeskabe are now among the most sought-after modern antiques and are bought by young people not as antiques, but purely and simply as the good furniture they represent in everyday use.

Since then Grethe Meyer has mainly concerned herself with items for the table and kitchen that we use every day. They deserve special care, which they have been given by a form of working which is not only based on a clear concept of the finished product, but also looks at every detail of shape, material and colour again, again and again, and then yet again, until it could not be any other way.

With an eye for habit

Simplicity is characteristic of all Grethe Meyer's work. But simplicity does not happen by itself. It is the result of detailed observation, experience and analysis of our habits. It is also the foundation for Blue Line from 1965, which was Grethe Meyer's first big success at Royal Copenhagen. The shapes in Blue Line are precise and timeless, and they have been carried forward into Grethe Meyer's brand new 4 All Seasons.

Striving for a work well done

Through her works Grethe Meyer has not only created a number of products that thousands of people appreciate every day for what they are: good things - the best for everyday use. She has also set a standard that must be an inspiration to a new generation of designers through her uncompromising insistence on her ideals and through striving for what the younger generation calls "a job well done".